Key Highlights
- Alex Smith discusses potential candidates for the next Chiefs’ offensive coordinator.
- Kansas City Chiefs’ offense appears stale after a tough season.
- Mike Kafka is among the names mentioned as a possible hire by Andy Reid.
- The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly signing former Kansas City fullback Carson Steele.
- Isiah Pacheco, despite his past success, faces challenges in 2025.
Alex Smith on Chiefs’ Offensive Coordinator Search: Mike Kafka Could Be the Pick
The Kansas City Chiefs will be searching for a new offensive coordinator this offseason, and former Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith shared his thoughts on who Andy Reid might target. Smith joined Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” to discuss the team’s next steps.
Mike Kafka: A Familiar Face
Smith believes that Mike Kafka could be brought back into the coaching fold at the Chiefs. He noted, “Oh, I wouldn’t be shocked if they bring (Mike) Kafka back… Andy (Reid) just rarely brings somebody outside of his circle.” Kafka served as the New York Giants’ interim head coach this season and has a long-standing relationship with Reid. The former Chiefs quarterbacks coach from 2018 to 2021 also played quarterback under Reid in 2011 with the Philadelphia Eagles, making him a familiar face within the organization.
The Offense’s State of Stagnation
The Chiefs’ offense appeared to grow stale this past season. A new voice could help rejuvenate the unit and introduce fresh ideas to the playbook. Smith acknowledged that Reid runs the offense and calls the plays, meaning the offensive coordinator role in Kansas City may not be especially enticing. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see whether the Chiefs turn to a Reid disciple or look outside his coaching tree for new inspiration.
Philadelphia Eagles Sign Former Chiefs Fullback Carson Steele
The Philadelphia Eagles are rapidly building their 2026 roster and have reportedly signed former Chiefs fullback Carson Steele. According to his agent, Steele will join the team as they seek to strengthen various positions. Steele played in 17 games for Kansas City in 2024, starting three of them.
He recorded a total of 183 yards on 56 carries and had 14 first downs. While he was slightly involved in the passing game with seven receptions for 26 additional yards, he also had three fumbles throughout the season. On special teams, Steele contributed as a kick returner, taking five kicks for 138 yards.
Chiefs’ Season Recap: Pacheco’s Struggles
The Chiefs have already begun reflecting on their 2024 campaign with some tough questions. Isiah Pacheco, the starting running back on the Chiefs’ back-to-back championship teams in 2022 and 2023, has seen his effectiveness decline significantly since returning from a fractured fibula injury. Despite being a high-level contributor in both seasons, averaging north of 4.5 yards per carry each year, Pacheco’s trajectory took a downturn after the injury. Since then, he has failed to reach 60 rushing yards in a single game and is an impending free agent for 2026.
The NFL Coaching Landscape
With several head coaching positions available across the league, there is much speculation about who might fill them. In the case of the Baltimore Ravens, Jesse Minter, the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers, emerges as a top candidate. According to sources, he is the only candidate thus far to get a clean sweep of interviews with every team that has a vacancy.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are considering their options for an offensive coordinator and are keeping close watch on Mike Kafka’s potential return.
As the NFL season enters its off-season phase, teams like the Philadelphia Eagles continue to make strategic moves to bolster their rosters. The upcoming offseason promises to be a busy one with many changes expected.
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