Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid dominate the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs. On a collaboration that began six years ago and probably knows no bounds.

Since Patrick Mahomes came to the NFL, his head coach with the Kansas City Chiefs has been Andy Reid. The two form one of the best quarterback coaching duos of recent years and have played a major role in shaping what is arguably the Chiefs’ greatest era.

The success story began about six years ago. The franchise traded up 17 spots in the draft to secure the services of the playmaker, who previously threw touchdowns for Texas Tech in college. It was a decision that no one in charge is likely to ever regret.

General manager Brett Veach had a significant influence on it, as Reid opened up to the “NFL Network” last year. “Brett was forever pushing us on this guy, wearing John and I down with this quarterback. From the time he was a freshman,” the now 65-year-old said.

Chiefs: Alex Smith took important role for Mahomes

For one season, Mahomes matured behind veteran Alex Smith, learning a few things from the longtime starter. “He could have just gone out there and done his thing. Be a great quarterback like he was that year and left me on my own. But he taught me so much. He helped me become a better player,” Mahomes said of his early days on the “New Heights” podcast a few months ago.

But Smith took him by the hand. Studied video footage, talked to him about leadership skills and the dynamics of a locker room. In the final regular-season game of 2017, Mahomes made his first start, with many more to follow.

But it’s not just his predecessor he has to thank for a lot, Head Coach Reid has also played his part in Mahomes’ flight of fancy, which has now lasted several years. The two-time Super Bowl winner opened up about how big this is in the “AP Pro Football Podcast”.

Mahomes on Reid: “One of the best coaches in history “

“He means the world to me. He’s just the best. He’s the best coach, obviously one of the best coaches in history. But he’s also one of the best people. He has learned how to get the maximum out of me every day. He doesn’t let me be satisfied with what I have achieved. He teaches me a lot,” said the 27-year-old.

In all five seasons that Mahomes has been the Chiefs’ starting quarterback, he has been selected to the Pro Bowl. His throws are spectacular, his behaviour in the pocket exceptionally intuitive. Reid gives him space on the field, relies on Mahomes’ creativity and designs plays in which the quarterback can show off his arm talent. Not to mention his accuracy and vision.

“He’s a lot of fun to coach. He’s as good as it gets,” Reid told Sports Illustrated earlier this year, comparing his protégé to the greatest players he’s already taught to play quarterback: Brett Favre, Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick. “The kid is one of those up there,” the coach said.

Chiefs: Andy Reid is also making an impact on man Patrick Mahomes

If Mahomes hadn’t been drafted by the Chiefs, he might have had to change his game. Under Reid, he said, that’s not the case. “I think if I had gone somewhere else, I would have had to learn to play the quarterback position differently. But he lets me play the quarterback position the way I want to play it. I think that’s made me a whole different type of quarterback in this league,” Mahomes reported.

What he’s getting from his coach, however, goes beyond the playing side of things. “Not just how to play the quarterback position, but how to be a leader. How to be a good father and a good husband. He lets me be who I am every single day,” he says.

In less than two months, Reid and his extended arm on the field will be picking apart opposing defenses again. The 2023 NFL season kicks off on the night of September 7-8, with the Chiefs opening the season against the Detroit Lions.