The Kansas City Chiefs’ season came to an abrupt and unfamiliar end in 2025.
For the first time since 2014, Kansas City failed to qualify for the NFL playoffs. Even more surprising, it marked the first postseason absence of the Chiefs in Patrick Mahomes’ nine-year NFL career, which is certainly a stunning development for a franchise that has defined consistency under Andy Reid.
Sure enough, it didn’t help that Mahomes got injured in Week 15.
Chiefs Make Changes on Coaching Staff
The disappointing season has already triggered change for the franchise.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs have decided to move on from wide receivers coach Connor Embree following the team’s struggles on offense.
“The #Chiefs are moving on from WRs coach Connor Embree, source said. There may be other changes to Andy Reid’s staff, but this talented group will have a new coach in 2026,” Rapoport posted on X.
Chiefs’ Offensive Issues in 2025 NFL Season
Kansas City’s offensive issues were impossible to ignore throughout the season, particularly at wide receiver. Despite Mahomes continuing to compete at a high level, the lack of dependable production on the outside really hurt the team.
On paper, the Chiefs’ receiving corps looked promising. Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hollywood Brown gave Mahomes a deep and diverse arsenal of weapons. Unfortunately, the unit never found its rhythm, as no receiver emerged as a reliable option.
Embree joined the Chiefs in 2019 as as a defensive assistant. He was promoted to wide receivers coach in 2023. He was also part of all three of the team’s Super Bowl championships, which make his dismissal a noteworthy shift for a franchise that has been known for continuity.
Now, Reid and the front office face important decisions heading into the offseason. Kansas City could look internally for Embree’s replacement or pursue an outside hire to reset the position group entirely. Either way, the wide receiver room enters the offseason with plenty of uncertainty.
And this may not be the last change. With the Chiefs coming off their most frustrating season of the Mahomes era, additional coaching adjustments could be on the table as the organization looks to quickly reestablish itself as a Super Bowl contender.
