The Andy Reid Bowl: Coach Faces Old Team, Reid’s Legacy

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Andy Reid is one of the most beloved head coaches in NFL history. Current players and players of his from two decades ago simply go out of their way to make their appreciation of him clear. Beyond that, fans of football have been able to benefit from his constantly evolving offensive attack. It has helped usher in a new era of offensive football in the NFL.

In just over a week, Andy Reid will be coaching in his fourth ever Super Bowl, looking to move to a record of 2-2 with a victory. This is his third Super Bowl appearance in a four-year span, of course. Meanwhile, there is a lot riding on Reid’s all-time legacy in this particular Super Bowl.

How does Andy Reid feel about facing the only other team that he was a head coach for? Plus, what would a win in Super Bowl LVII solidify for this specific head coach? Let’s kick it off.

How Often Has An NFL Head Coach Faced Their Former Team In Super Bowl History?

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Andy Reid will become the fifth head coach to coach against his former team in Super Bowl history. Overall, the previous four head coaches to do so went a combined 2-2 in the big game. Weeb Ewbank and the New York Jets defeated the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Jon Gruden and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also defeated the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. As for the two head coaches that lost against their former team, Dan Reeves of the Atlanta Falcons dropped Super Bowl XXXIII to the Denver Broncos. Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks also dropped Super Bowl XLIX to the New England Patriots.

Interestingly, only one of those four Super Bowls ended up being a one-score game. That was Seahawks and Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. Carroll and Seattle arguably should have won against New England. Though, we know that the Seahawks opted to throw near the goal line, instead of handing it off to Marshawn Lynch. A Russell Wilson interception prevented Seattle from becoming Super Bowl champions in consecutive seasons.

Reid Looks Back On Philadelphia Years Fondly

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Obviously, it did not take long for Andy Reid to be asked about facing his old team in a Super Bowl. He answered that question immediately after winning the AFC Championship Game, and in the couple of days afterwards.

“I’m happy for them,” Reid said of the Philadelphia Eagles. “I’m happy for the city. They’re passionate. They love football. I can’t wait until Kansas City and Philly clash. I mean, it’s gonna be awesome. What a great Super Bowl it’ll be.”

Later in the week, Andy Reid talked about his relationship with the Eagles’ top personnel. After many years, there is still a strong appreciation from each side.

“I still have a great relationship with Jeff Lurie (Eagles owner), Howie Roseman (Eagles general manager), all the people there,” Reid stated. “Three of the players (playing in Super Bowl LVII) were kids that we drafted when we were there. I have fond memories of Philadelphia. I love all 14 years that I was there.”

Three For Three

Of course, Andy Reid has yet to face the Eagles in a Super Bowl as Kansas City Chiefs head coach. He is actually a combined 3-0 against Philadelphia while with Kansas City, however. The Chiefs have won twice on the road in Philadelphia under Coach Reid. The closest of the three matchups, was a seven-point win for the Chiefs at home against the Eagles in 2017, a 27-20 final score. In those three victories over the Eagles, Kansas City has outscored Philadelphia by a combined score of 95-66 under Andy Reid.

The most recent matchup came last year in Philadelphia. Kansas City benefitted from Patrick Mahomes throwing for 278 yards and five touchdown passes. In fact, Mahomes only had six incompletions on the day. Tyreek Hill led the way in receiving, with 11 receptions, 186 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns. Amazingly, the Chiefs also had 200 rushing yards in that contest, 102 of which came from Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Both teams had over 450 total yards of offense in a Chiefs 42-30 victory over the Eagles.

Coach Reid’s Ultimate Legacy

As mentioned above, Andy Reid is universally beloved by football fans, players and opposing coaches. His resume is quite expansive and glowing. For example, he is among the best, when it comes to winning games at the NFL level. That is something that is often taken for granted.

In total, Andy Reid had 140 wins, including playoffs, during his 14 years with Philadelphia. That is the most for a head coach in Eagles history, and 74 more wins than the next closest head coach for Philadelphia’s franchise history (Greasy Neale). On the other hand, Reid already has 128 wins, including playoffs, in his 10 years with Kansas City. That is the second-most in Kansas City franchise history. If the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII, Reid will tie Hank Stram for most wins by a head coach in team history (129 wins).

All told, Andy Reid can truly cement himself as one of the most accomplished head coaches in NFL history with a Super Bowl LVII victory over the Eagles. A win would secure Reid’s 22nd playoff victory as a head coach. That would put him just nine wins behind Bill Belichick for most playoff wins by an NFL head coach. Finally, a Chiefs win in Super Bowl LVII would allow Andy Reid to become just the 14th head coach to win multiple Super Bowls.

Nine others have two Super Bowl wins (Vince Lombardi, Tom Flores, Jimmy Johnson, George Seifert, Mike Shanahan, Tom Coughlin, Bill Parcells, Tom Landry, Don Shula). Bill Walsh and Joe Gibbs each had three Super Bowl wins. The great Chuck Noll secured four Super Bowl wins. In the end, the aforementioned Belichick has the most Super Bowl wins for a head coach (six).

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs Super Bowl LVII articles and analysis throughout next week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.