Sports Illustrated Ranks Chiefs' Mahomes-Reid No. 1 Among 32 NFL Coach-QB Duos
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · May 28
Sports Illustrated Ranks Chiefs' Mahomes-Reid No. 1 Among 32 NFL Coach-QB Duos
4 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · May 28
Kansas City topped Sports Illustrated’s 2026 coach-quarterback rankings, with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid holding the No. 1 spot despite the Chiefs’ 6-11 season last year.
Mahomes stayed elite in 14 games before knee injuries, throwing for 3,587 yards and 22 touchdowns with a +65.2 EPA, while Reid’s side of the pairing drew more concern after offensive staff changes.
Los Angeles ranked second with Sean McVay and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford, and New England placed third behind Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye after the Patriots’ AFC East title and Super Bowl run.
The list weighed proven production against uncertainty, pushing teams with first-year coaches or untested quarterbacks down the board, including Cleveland at No. 32 and Arizona at No. 31.
Sports Illustrated framed the rankings as a spring snapshot of the league’s most important partnership, arguing teams weak at both coach and quarterback are effectively headed toward the 2027 draft.
A losing team is ranked #1 while Super Bowl champs are #7. Is the QB-coach duo truly the key to winning?
In a contract standoff, is an aging Aaron Rodgers the Steelers' final piece for a title or their biggest liability?