On Thursday, The Athletic’s Peak staff published a list of the top 40 players and coaches in men’s and women’s sports. They focused on a single, deliberately enigmatic theme.
We picked the phrase “most admired” because it is intentionally vague. You don’t have to know someone to admire them. You can also admire leaders for different reasons: The way they communicate, the way they handle adversity or the spotlight, and, of course, their success.
That’s the great thing about leadership: It’s subjective.
What works for one person might not work for someone else.
So who met the standard? Two members of the Kansas City Chiefs — starting with head coach Andy Reid.
5. Andy Reid
When Reid became the head coach of the Chiefs in early 2013, he had already experienced success during a long stint as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. In Kansas City, he staked his claim as one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time, building a dynasty with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and making the playoffs for 10 straight seasons.
Known as a detail-oriented player’s coach and a masterful teacher, he did it with a simple ethos: “Don’t judge.”
Credentials: Reid has won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs and led his teams to the Super Bowl six times, including once in Philadelphia. He ranks fourth all-time in career wins, trailing only Don Shula, George Halas and Bill Belichick.
What our voters said:
Mike Brey, Atlanta Hawks assistant coach: “The consistent, steady emotions and the projection of no ego.”
George Karl, former NBA head coach: “I love how he handles problems. I also love how he handles success. He motivates his players. He’s demanding of his players. And the last thing I’ll say about him I’ve not said about many people: He reminds me a lot of (former North Carolina men’s basketball coach) Dean Smith.”
And who else might make their way onto this list? His top protege: Patrick Mahomes.
15. Patrick Mahomes
Credentials: In eight seasons as a starting quarterback, Mahomes has won three championships and two MVPs while being a superstar who plays with joyful energy.
What our voters said:
Derrick Johnson, former NFL linebacker: “His ability to handle the QB position with poise and confidence is unmatched.”
My takeaway
It’s important to note that the four individuals who preceded Reid, No. 1 was Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, No. 2 was South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, No. 3 was NBA star Steph Curry and No. 4 was Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma.
So Reid isn’t being chosen because he has demonstrated skill in choosing hamburgers. Instead, he’s been selected because of the way he solves problems. That’s made clear in the article linked in his bio.
“His classes were so engaging, and he did things to make you want to learn the game,” said John Diffley, a Missouri student who later became a high school coach in St. Louis.
The way Diffley remembers the course, other assistant coaches would show up and break down film, going through the motions as they explained formations and plays. But Reid excelled at holding the students’ attention. He told stories and jokes. He actually seemed to love teaching.
“He was really good at breaking down his terminology,” Diffley said. “He actually really left a lasting impression.”
Reid has carried this through to his NFL coaching style, where his no-nonsense, easy approach has led to success for his players — not the least of whom is Mahomes.
The 29-year-old quarterback has needed very little coaching from Reid — and often seems to be talking out of the other side of the head coach’s mouth. Sometimes it’s hard to tell where Reid stops and Mahomes begins.
