Coach Andy Reid Criticized as Chiefs Refuse Joint Practices Amid NFL Training Camps

As NFL teams head to training camp, the Kansas City Chiefs remain steadfast in their unique approach, drawing both criticism and curiosity. Despite a trend towards joint practices and training camp travel, Coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs continue to reject these norms, choosing instead to focus on their own methods.

Once, most NFL teams held training camps away from their home facilities. In the early 2000s, the majority of teams, 21 out of 31 (68%), traveled for their summer sessions. However, by 2021, only six of 32 teams (19%) did so, a reduction influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the number has slightly increased to eight, with teams like the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers joining the Chiefs on the road. The Chiefs will hold their camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, a tradition they uphold based on Reid’s preferences.

Reid values the seclusion and camaraderie that come with an offsite training camp. “It’s a time for camaraderie — and bringing things together as a team,” Reid stated when camp returned to St. Joseph in 2021. He emphasizes the intense focus on football that this setting provides, where players are immersed in the sport 24/7, away from distractions.

Joint practices, once common in the NFL, have seen a resurgence as teams look to gain competitive edges during preseason. In 2024, 30 teams will participate in 22 joint sessions, using these opportunities to face different opponents and simulate game conditions. Yet, the Chiefs and the Raiders stand out by not participating in any joint practices.

Reid’s aversion to joint practices stems from a desire to maintain strategic secrecy and control. “I’ve just never been that big on that,” Reid explained in 2014. He prefers to keep his team’s tactics in-house, away from the prying eyes of other teams. In 2015, he elaborated further, citing the pervasive nature of technology and the ease with which information can be leaked. “With technology, there’s not a lot of secrets… I really don’t want anyone hearing [our coaching points].”

For Reid, preseason games serve the same purpose as joint practices, providing a competitive environment without the risk of exposing strategies. “One of the benefits of having preseason games is you get to see these guys play, in front of a crowd, [when] the lights are on,” he said. This philosophy ensures that Reid can evaluate his players under real game conditions, which he believes is more beneficial than controlled practice sessions with other teams.

This approach has drawn criticism from some who view joint practices as crucial for development and preparation. Critics argue that the Chiefs might miss out on valuable learning experiences and opportunities to adjust to different play styles. However, Reid’s track record of success with the Chiefs, including multiple Super Bowl victories, suggests that his methods are effective.

In conclusion, as NFL teams adopt more collaborative and transparent approaches to training camps, the Kansas City Chiefs, under Coach Andy Reid, remain an exception. Reid’s emphasis on isolation, focus, and in-house preparation reflects a deep-seated belief in his system. While this stance attracts criticism, the Chiefs’ consistent performance under Reid’s leadership reaffirms his confidence in his unconventional methods. As training camps progress, the football world will watch closely to see if Reid’s approach continues to yield results.