Alex Smith Makes Decision on Joining Chiefs Coaching Staff

Alex Smith became a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback during his 16-year NFL career. The former Utah Utes quarterback was selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent the first half of his career.

After eight seasons in the Bay Area and losing his starting quarterback role to Colin Kaepernick, Smith was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the 2013 season in exchange for multiple draft picks. He went on to serve as the team’s starter for five seasons before being replaced yet again by future NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. Smith later finished his playing career with the Washington Redskins/Football Team before retiring in 2021.

But following his retirement, Smith has stayed close to the football world, joining ESPN as an analyst on shows such as “Sunday NFL Countdown” and “First Take.” And with the 2025 NFL season coming to an end, Smith has seen his name pop up in coaching rumors, specifically for one of his former teams.

Andy Reid and the Chiefs endured a disappointing season, finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014, when Smith was the team’s starting quarterback. Following the down year, Kansas City has begun making coaching changes, with assistant defensive line coach Alex Whittingham, wide receivers coach Connor Embree and defensive quality control coach Louie Addazio already departing.

Even offensive coordinator Matt Nagy could potentially be leaving Reid’s staff, already lining up head coaching interviews with the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders.

On Tuesday, Smith appeared on the talk show “Up & Adams,” hosted by Kay Adams, to discuss Kansas City’s coaching changes. When Adams mentioned that Smith’s name had surfaced as a potential replacement for Nagy, he was quick to dismiss the possibility of joining Reid’s staff.

“No way,” Smith said. “No. It’s so hard, my kids. I got 14, 12, 9. You take that job, it’s like ‘see you in five years.’ You know, it’s hard… I love Matt, that’s my guy, I love Matt, but no.”

Smith also added that he “wouldn’t be shocked” if the Chiefs brought New York Giants interim coach Mike Kafka back, who spent five years on Reid’s staff from 2017-21.

While the Chiefs will undergo some major coaching changes, they could see big changes to the roster as well, especially with tight end Travis Kelce potentially retiring during the offseason.