KC Chiefs’ Andy Reid would welcome Derrick Johnson back in coaching role

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had his first chance for a question-and-answer with the media since the team announced it would not bring back linebacker Derrick Johnson for a 14th season with the club.

Johnson, 35, wanted to stay in Kansas City on a reworked contract, but the Chiefs already had their mind made up.

“I want a put a little two cents in for Derrick because this, again, is one of my favorite guys I’ve ever coached and what a career he has had in Kansas City,” Reid said. “I’m pulling for him that maybe something happens for him in the future.”

Reid added that he would welcome Johnson back if he couldn’t find a suitor this offseason.

“I’ve told him, ‘Just come back,’ and he can start his coaching career.”

Johnson expressed interest in eventually coaching football back in 2017.

“I thought about all of it,” Johnson explained, via Chiefs.com. “In high school, you’re teaching the fundamentals, trying to get them off to college. It’s also teaching them a little bit about life.

“In college, there’s the recruiting part of it, so it’s a year-around thing. In the NFL, it’s even more of a business—as far as getting hired and fired. I’ll definitely get into the coaching later on, not right when I get out, but I’ll set it up in the right way.”

Johnson even said he could even see himself interning under Reid with the Chiefs.

“I would,” he said. “This is a good atmosphere—a good platform.”

As for now, Johnson is looking to play, in his own words, “for several more years.”