“No Way” Former Chiefs QB Refuses To Re-Join Team As Coach In Adamant Statement (Report)

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off their worst season under quarterback Patrick Mahomes.  Injuries and poor play derailed their season and saw the team miss the playoffs completely.

Now, the team has learned that one of their former starting quarterbacks isn’t a option to bring back as a coach.

Alex Smith Announces Decision on Joining Chiefs Coaching Staff: Turns Down OC Role for Family Reasons

Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Alex Smith has officially shut down rumors of joining the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff as offensive coordinator, announcing on January 13, 2026, that he will not pursue the position. Speaking on the “Up & Adams” show, Smith directly addressed speculation linking him to replacing Matt Nagy amid the Chiefs’ disappointing 6-11 season and coaching staff changes.

Smith stated emphatically:

“No way… 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.”

The decision prioritizes family time after his 16-year playing career, which included stints with the San Francisco 49ers (2005-2012), Chiefs (2013-2017 as starter), and Washington Football Team (where he retired in 2021 after a remarkable comeback from a 2018 leg injury).

Smith earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2020 and remains an ESPN contributor on shows like “Sunday NFL Countdown” and “First Take.”

Chiefs’ Coaching Changes & Rumors

The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 (Smith’s final year as starter), prompting departures including assistant defensive line coach Alex Whittingham, wide receivers coach Connor Embree, and defensive quality control coach Louie Addazio. Nagy is expected to interview for head coaching jobs (Tennessee, Baltimore, Arizona, Las Vegas), fueling speculation about his replacement.

Smith suggested a familiar name as a potential fit for Andy Reid’s staff:

“I wouldn’t be shocked” if they brought back Mike Kafka (former Giants interim HC), who spent five years on Reid’s staff from 2017-2021.

Smith’s close ties to the Chiefs (he started for five seasons before Patrick Mahomes took over) made the rumor credible, but family commitments ultimately prevailed.

Career Legacy & Post-Retirement Path

Smith’s decision reinforces his post-playing focus on broadcasting and family. He has no plans to return to coaching at this stage, emphasizing the toll it would take on his young children.

The Chiefs enter the offseason with significant questions at coordinator positions and roster tweaks, but Smith’s “no” closes one intriguing chapter.