KANSAS CITY, MO – In a move that could have a significant impact on the Kansas City Chiefs’ coaching staff, Andy Reid finds himself facing the possibility of losing a trusted assistant to the Arizona Cardinals. On Thursday, the Arizona Cardinals officially requested an interview with Dan Williams, the Chiefs’ assistant quarterbacks coach, with an eye on bringing him aboard as their next quarterbacks coach under new head coach Mike LaFleur.

This is more than just a routine interview; it’s a potential game-changer for both franchises, with Williams having been a key figure in shaping the development of Patrick Mahomes and other quarterbacks in Kansas City over the past few seasons.

The Reid-Williams Connection: A Longstanding Relationship

Andy Reid and Dan Williams share a bond that goes beyond just football. In fact, Reid has known Williams since he was just three years old, a relationship that started long before Williams entered the NFL coaching ranks. This longstanding connection makes it likely that Reid will approve the request quickly, though the decision could still be bittersweet for the Chiefs’ head coach.

Williams’ potential departure would mark the end of a strong coaching partnership that has helped shape one of the most successful offenses in recent NFL history. Over the past few seasons, Williams has become an important voice not only for Mahomes but also for the team’s backup quarterbacks. His understanding of the offense and his ability to connect with players has made him a vital part of the Chiefs’ success.

A Key Loss for the Chiefs

Williams’ potential departure would be a major blow for the Chiefs, as he’s been with the team since 2019. Initially brought on as a coaching intern, Williams quickly proved himself and became an assistant to the head coach, managing logistics and the football schedule during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV-winning season.

After working as an offensive assistant in 2022, he was promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach in 2023, following Eric Bieniemy’s departure. His promotion came after Matt Nagy was elevated to offensive coordinator, a position Williams had been hoping for.

As the assistant quarterbacks coach, Williams worked directly with Mahomes, helping him achieve historic milestones. In the 2022 season, Mahomes led the league in passing yards (5,250), touchdowns (41), and passes of 25 yards or more. That year, Mahomes also earned NFL MVP honors for the second time and was named Super Bowl MVP, setting a high bar for success that has carried over into the 2023 season.

Even in 2023, Mahomes continued to impress, passing for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns, maintaining his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.

Williams’ ability to work closely with Mahomes, helping him refine his skills and game knowledge, has undoubtedly contributed to the Chiefs’ continued dominance on offense.

What Would the Cardinals Gain?

The Arizona Cardinals, under new head coach Mike LaFleur, are looking to build a coaching staff capable of bringing their franchise back to relevance in the NFC. LaFleur, who was hired in early February 2026, has his eyes set on Williams as the Cardinals’ quarterbacks coach.

This is a critical hire for LaFleur, as the Cardinals’ offense has struggled in recent years, and they need a seasoned coach to help develop their quarterback position. With Williams’ experience coaching at the highest level, particularly working with Mahomes, he’s seen firsthand what it takes to cultivate a top-tier quarterback.

For the Cardinals, bringing in Williams would signal a commitment to building a robust offense, especially at a time when many teams in the NFC West are experiencing a shift in dynamics.

The Coaching Changes in Kansas City

While Andy Reid may lose Williams to the Cardinals, it’s not the first change he has had to contend with this offseason. The Chiefs are also dealing with the departure of Matt Nagy, who opted to explore head coaching and offensive coordinator opportunities after his contract expired. Nagy has since joined the Giants as John Harbaugh’s offensive play-caller.

Additionally, Reid made the difficult decision to let go of wide receivers coach Connor Embree and running backs coach Todd Pinkston following the 2025 season. These changes underscore the fluid nature of the coaching staff in Kansas City as Reid looks to fill these vacancies and ensure that the Chiefs remain competitive in a fiercely contested AFC.

A Legacy of Coaching Talent

Dan Williams’ coaching journey is intertwined with his family’s football legacy. His father, Ted Williams, had a significant impact in the NFL as a Philadelphia Eagles assistant coach for over two decades. Ted’s experience included stints as the tight ends coach, running backs coach, and pro scout, and he worked alongside Andy Reid during his tenure with the Eagles from 1999 to 2012.

This rich coaching background clearly influenced Dan’s own career trajectory. From his early days as a coaching intern under Reid, to his rapid ascension through the ranks, Williams has shown that his football IQ and leadership skills are second to none.

Should Williams leave Kansas City, he will undoubtedly bring the same dedication and expertise to the Cardinals that he displayed in Kansas City. His ability to help quarterbacks thrive, particularly young ones, will be invaluable as Arizona looks to find its footing in the coming years.

What’s Next for the Chiefs?

If Williams does leave for the Cardinals, the Chiefs will need to fill another important role on their staff. The quarterback position, as always, remains the centerpiece of the team’s success, and finding a coach who can continue to develop Mahomes and the backup quarterbacks will be essential.

The loss of Williams would also add another layer of change to a coaching staff that has already undergone significant transitions. However, given the continuity at the top with Reid and the success the Chiefs have enjoyed over the past several seasons, the team will likely recover quickly and find the right person to fill the void.

For now, Chiefs Kingdom will watch closely as the situation unfolds, hoping that the team’s coaching staff remains as strong as it’s been over the past few seasons. With the future of Dan Williams hanging in the balance, the Chiefs will need to make crucial decisions to ensure that the momentum they’ve built continues into the 2026 season.