Chiefs, Andy Reid 'reached an agreement', according to reports

It appears all but certain that the Kansas City Chiefs will make Andy Reid their next head coach. (Knock on wood!) ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter are reporting that an "agreement" has been reached.

Andy Reid and the Chiefs have reached an agreement. Lawyers reviewing contract. Added to ESPN story along with @adamschefter

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 4, 2013

More confirmation....according to a report from the Kansas City Star's Adam Teicher, the official announcement could be coming as soon as today.

It's looking like #Chiefs will announce Reid signing later today and this won't drag on into weekend.

— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) January 4, 2013

I was a little concerned about the timing of this because if we got to Saturday without a deal I figured the Chiefs may wait until Monday or later to make an announcement. There's no written rule but teams generally try to avoid upstaging the playoffs with these kinds of announcements. Sometimes it's unavoidable but it's something I thought could come into play in Kansas City.

Apparently, it won't.

More Chiefs coverage:

Pioli statement on being let go: "I did not accomplish all of what I set out to do'

"I would like to thank Norma, Clark and the Hunt Family for the opportunity that they gave me four years ago. I'd also like to thank the players, coaches, scouts and countless other employees, throughout the organization and at Arrowhead Stadium that have worked so hard during my time here. I would also like to genuinely thank Chiefs fans.

"The bottom line is that I did not accomplish all of what I set out to do. To the Hunt family - to the great fans of the Kansas City Chiefs - to the players, all employees and alumni, I truly apologize for not getting the job done."

Clark Hunt's statement makes Pioli firing official

"After several productive conversations, we made the difficult decision to part ways with Scott Pioli and allow him to pursue other opportunities," Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. "Scott has been an invaluable member of the Chiefs family since joining us in 2009, and we sincerely appreciate his tremendous contributions over the last four years.

"I know that this was a difficult decision for Scott as well. He has a great deal of appreciation for the history of this franchise, for our players, coaches and employees, and especially our great fans.

"There is no way to overstate the level of respect and admiration I have for Scott on a personal level. His character, loyalty, integrity and commitment to a team are extraordinary, and throughout the last four years, he has consistently put the best interests of the Chiefs ahead of his own. I know he will go on to enjoy further success in the National Football League, and I certainly wish him the best in the future."

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