Is the door opening for Andy Reid to come to BYU?

BYU fans have long dreamed of Andy Reid leaving the NFL to coach at BYU (Ed Zurga, AP)

Former BYU football player Andy Reid is one of the winningest coaches in NFL history. He has won 179 games over 19 seasons coaching the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. Ever since the legendary LaVell Edwards retired in 2000, BYU Cougars fans have wished and dreamed that Reid would return to Provo to coach.

It is still a long shot, but something happened Sunday that could lead to Reid finally coming to BYU. No, it wouldn't be as offensive coordinator in 2018.

Andy Reid gives up play calling https://t.co/SlG2ZzGceJ pic.twitter.com/uSu1DjPqLD

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) December 3, 2017

The Chiefs started the season 5-0. They were 1-5 over the next six games, which led to Reid relinquishing play calling duties. Without Reid calling plays, Kansas City lost 38-31 to the New York Jets to fall to 6-6. Clearly, there is more wrong with the Chiefs than just play calling.

Reid had a long, successful run in Philadelphia. He was already widely respected as one of the best coaches in the league during his time there, but things fell apart pretty fast. Following a 10-6 season in 2010, the Eagles finished 8-8 the next season, and fell to 4-12 in 2012.

Kansas City quickly snatched Reid off the unemployment line. In his first season, the Chiefs won 11 games--nine more than the season before. Reid had his best season with the Chiefs last season winning 12 games. However, if the Chiefs continue to flounder and finish around 8-8 and miss the playoffs, then Reid will be under some pressure in 2018.

Under those circumstances, it is very likely 2017 first round draft pick Patrick Mahomes would be the new starting quarterback in 2018. While changing quarterbacks may be the popular thing to do, it won't change the fact that it will be harder to win with a new, inexperienced quarterback.  If the Chiefs have an even worse season next year, like the Eagles did in 2012, then management may want to find a new head coach.

At that point, Reid will have coached 20 seasons in the NFL, and be 60 years old. He may just be ready to say good bye to coaching in the professional ranks. BYU may be ready for a new head coach, too.

After a 4-9 season in 2017, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake needs to do better next year, or his job may be in jeopardy. The 2018 schedule doesn't appear to be any easier than this year's. BYU waited for Gary Crowton to have three losing seasons before making a coaching change, but if Reid is available and willing to come, then BYU might not give Sitake that much time.

It is still quite a long shot that Reid comes to BYU anytime in the future. Like all major events, if it does happen, it would be the result of a series of events. Giving up play calling duties yesterday may just be one of those events.

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com