“Andy Reid shoulders the blame after a pivotal Chiefs decision backfires in a stunning loss to the Texans — a humbling moment that shakes the team, ignites debate, and puts the legendary coach under intense scrutiny.
Andy Reid knows he “messed that one up.”
Speaking after the Chiefs’ crushing 20-10 home defeat to the Texans on Sunday night, Kansas City’s longtime coach took full accountability for a failed fourth-down decision in the second half that essentially turned the tide in Houston’s favor.
“I take full responsibility for that,” Reid said, according to Pro Football Talk.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on the sideline during a game against the Texans on Dec. 7, 2025.
The play in question unfolded in the fourth quarter, with the Chiefs electing to go for it on a fourth-and-one from their own 31-yard line with the score tied at 10 apiece.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ pass to wide receiver Rashee Rice fell incomplete, which gave the Texans a golden opportunity to score a short time later.
The Texans went up 17-10 and never looked back.
The Chiefs fell to 6-7 with the loss in Week 14.
Reid, whose Chiefs will not contend for a 10th consecutive AFC West title with the loss, “was confident” the team could execute the play, but admitted he “was wrong in hindsight.”
“I thought we could get it,” Reid said. “I was confident we could do that. It’s important to take advantage of opportunities and I thought it was an opportunity. I was wrong in hindsight. I was wrong. We’ve been pretty good on fourth downs. I messed that one up.”
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes had three interceptions against the Texans.
It was a brutal showing for the reigning AFC champions, with Mahomes, 30, tossing three interceptions and zero touchdowns.
Star tight end Travis Kelce also had a costly drop, in which a pass from Mahomes hit his hands and fell into the grasp of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
Houston improved to 8-5 with the win and moved within the AFC playoff picture.
The Chiefs remain on the outside looking in at 6-7, with a mere 15 percent chance of making the playoffs if the season ended Monday.
“We’ve still got an opportunity. Even though it’s a slim opportunity, we have an opportunity,” Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said. “For us, the door is still open. It might be a 10 percent chance. It might be a 5 percent chance. But as long as we have an opportunity and a chance, we can control that, and let the cards fall where they fall.”
The Chiefs will close out the regular season against the Chargers, Titans, Broncos and Raiders.
