Andy Reid Reportedly Close to Becoming Chiefs New Head Coach

Andy Reid may not be unemployed for much longer. After the Arizona Cardinals emerged as front-runners, the Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly closing in on a deal with the former Philadelphia Eagles head coach.

UPDATE: Friday, January 4 at 10:40 a.m. ET by Matt Fitzgerald

Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and the organization have parted ways, and according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, it is just another indication that Reid is in line to become the head coach in KC:

"

Chiefs have fired GM Scott Pioli. Translation: Paving the way for Andy Reid's arrival. Filed to ESPN.

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 4, 2013"

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Thursday, January 3 at 10:49 a.m. ET

Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs are closing in on a deal, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter.

"

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of a deal to make Andy Reid their next head coach, according to league sources.

There still are minor details to work out but after nine hours of meetings Wednesday, one source involved in the talks said 'the major issues have been discussed and agreed upon.'

One source close to Reid said this morning, 'This is going to happen fast.'

"

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Wednesday, Jan. 2 at 10:25 a.m. ET by Adam Wells

Not so fast on the Reid-to-Arizona train. According to Chris Mortensen of ESPN (via Aaron Nagler of Bleacher Report), the former Eagles coach will interview with the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday. 

"

Per @mortreport, Andy Reid will interview with the KC Chiefs today.

— Aaron Nagler (@Aaron_Nagler) January 2, 2013"

The Chiefs own the No. 1 pick in the 2013 NFL draft after finishing the 2012 season 2-14. The team fired Romeo Crennel, who took over with three games to play in 2011 and went 2-1. 

---End of Update---

UPDATE: Tuesday, Jan. 1 at 10 p.m. ET by Ryan Rudnansky

The Cardinals will interview Reid on Wednesday, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.

La Canfora tweeted on Tuesday:

"

Andy Reid will interview with the Cardinals tomorrow.

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 2, 2013"

---End of Update---

KTVK-TV sports director Tim Ring reported the following via Twitter:

"

I am reporting the Cardinals are very close to a deal with Andy Reid to become the team's next head coach.#AZCardinals #Eagles #NFL

— Tim Ring (@timring3TV) January 1, 2013"

ESPN’s Adam Schefter added that Reid “could be named to the job by the end of the week, according to team and league sources.” His report also states, “One league source said he was ‘95 percent’ certain Reid will wind up coaching the Cardinals.”

The Eagles finished 4-12 this season and fired Reid on Monday after 14 seasons, ending the longest head-coaching tenure in the NFL. 

The Cardinals started the season 4-0, but then went on a nine-game losing streak and ultimately ended the year with a 5-11 record. This caused the franchise to get rid of Whisenhunt and general manager Rod Graves.

Before the last two seasons in which the Eagles failed to make the postseason despite making several high-profile additions through free agency, Reid was one of the most highly regarded coaches in the league.

The Eagles had a losing record just three times under Reid and made the playoffs in nine of his 14 seasons at the helm. In addition, he led the team to five NFC Championship appearances and one Super Bowl appearance, which the team lost to the New England Patriots. 

This is an usually impressive résumé for an out-of-work coach, and the Cardinals are acting quickly to ensure that no other team snatches up Reid.