Chiefs Owner Clark Hunt Reflects on Tough 2025 Season

Hunt looks ahead to 2026 as Chiefs aim to return to playoffs and Super Bowl

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt discussed the team's disappointing 6-11 season in 2025, which saw them miss the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. Hunt expressed optimism about the team's roster and coaching staff, and looked forward to the opportunity to evaluate the team's weaknesses and get better in all three phases of the game. The Chiefs will have the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, their highest selection since 2013.

Why it matters

The Chiefs have been one of the NFL's elite teams in recent years, making the playoffs in 10 of the last 11 seasons and reaching the Super Bowl three times. Their failure to qualify for the postseason in 2025 was a rare setback, and Hunt's comments indicate the organization is determined to get the team back on track and competing for championships again.

The details

After making the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, including two Super Bowl appearances, the Chiefs stumbled to a 6-11 record in 2025. Owner Clark Hunt acknowledged it was a "quiet January" without the team participating in the playoffs, but expressed confidence in head coach Andy Reid and the roster, saying they have "an opportunity to be better in all three phases." The Chiefs will have the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, their highest selection since 2013 when they took tackle Eric Fisher first overall.

  • The Chiefs already are scheduled to make two trips to SoFi Stadium in 2026.
  • Super Bowl 61 will be held at SoFi Stadium next year.
  • Patrick Mahomes is aiming to return from knee surgery in time for the Chiefs' Week 1 game on September 13, 2026.

The players

Clark Hunt

The chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' star quarterback who is recovering from knee surgery.

Andy Reid

The Chiefs' head coach.

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What they’re saying

“Well, we're excited about the challenge that we have now, getting back. We still have a great roster; we still have Andy Reid and a really outstanding coaching staff. We're going to work very hard in 2026 to make sure that we're part of the playoffs and hopefully part of the Super Bowl.”

— Clark Hunt, Chiefs Chairman and CEO (Good Morning Football)

“Yeah, well, it's definitely made for a quiet January, for sure. We're used to going to playoff games, and it's just a little bit different this year. Obviously, we've got some great teams headed to the Super Bowl. They had tremendous seasons. And we're looking forward to the opportunity in 2026 to hopefully get back to the playoffs and make it back to the Super Bowl.”

— Clark Hunt, Chiefs Chairman and CEO (Good Morning Football)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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