Andy Reid may be the most tragic figure in NFL history

Andy Reid isn’t the only coach who has seen his legacy ruined time and again by the New England Patriots, but his misfortune goes beyond that.

There is no denying that Reid is one of the best head coaches of his generation. He’s turned two different franchises into perennial contenders. He developed multiple quarterbacks into Pro Bowlers like Donovan McNabb, Alex Smith, and now Patrick Mahomes. The only thing he hasn’t done in his amazing NFL career is winning a championship and that continues to elude him in the game that has come to define him more than any other.

Falling 37-31 in overtime at Arrowhead on Sunday night, Reid lost what was his 5th conference championship game as an NFL head coach. The first four came during his time in Philadelphia and this marked the fifth. That’s an insane number to think about. To have that many cracks at the Super Bowl and only getting through on one of six tries? One must wonder if Reid is somehow cursed in some way. It’s not like he was the reason they lost either.

He called a great second half and gave the Chiefs the lead with two minutes left. Unfortunately, the defense, as it would again in overtime, couldn’t deliver the knockout punch. That’s nothing new too. In four of those five losses the defense gave up at least 27 points. It’s been his Achilles heel.

Will Reid become the John Elway of head coaches?

The NFL is already filled with plenty of tragic coaching figures. Marv Levy, Bud Grant, and Dan Reeves each lost four Super Bowls during their tenures. Marty Schottenheimer won 200 games and never even reached one. It feels like Reid, who turns 61 this year, may never find that magic to finally get over the hump. Then again, people said the same thing about John Elway. If there is anybody who proves the value of never giving in, it’s him.

The quarterback was the posterchild for over a decade at not being able to win the big one. Three Super Bowl losses and multiple playoff failures against supposedly inferior opponents. Then in 1997 he finally broke through at 37-years old. Just in the nick of time. Reid has one thing going for him. He has Patrick Mahomes now. That kid is the most talposter childerback he’s ever had as a head coach and is likely league MVP in just his second year.

If the Chiefs can put together a defense that is able to compliment him, there is still time for Reid to realize his dream before it’s too late.