Chiefs Lose Key Mahomes Assistant Coach to Cardinals

Kansas City must replace Dan Williams, a rising coach who has worked closely with star QB Patrick Mahomes.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 8:55pm

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The Kansas City Chiefs are facing coaching turnover after a disappointing 6-11 season, including the potential loss of assistant quarterbacks coach Dan Williams. Williams, who has worked closely with star QB Patrick Mahomes, has been requested for an interview by the Arizona Cardinals for their vacant quarterbacks coach position. The Chiefs cannot block the interview, as it would be a promotion for Williams.

Why it matters

Mahomes and the Chiefs have enjoyed tremendous success, winning three Super Bowls in five appearances. Williams has been a key part of that, working directly with the star quarterback. His potential departure could disrupt the continuity and chemistry that has made the Chiefs' offense so potent in recent years.

The details

After a 6-11 season that saw the Chiefs miss the playoffs for the first time since Mahomes became the starting QB in 2018, Kansas City has undergone several coaching changes. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy left to join the New York Giants, and the Chiefs promoted Eric Bieniemy to replace him. Now, they may lose another key offensive assistant in Williams, who has served as the team's assistant quarterbacks coach for the past three seasons.

  • In 2019, Williams joined the Chiefs as a coaching intern.
  • In 2020, he was promoted to assistant to the head coach.
  • In 2023, Williams became the Chiefs' assistant quarterbacks coach, a role he has held for the past three seasons.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The Chiefs' star quarterback, who has led the team to three Super Bowl wins in five appearances.

Dan Williams

The Chiefs' assistant quarterbacks coach for the past three seasons, who has worked closely with Mahomes.

Arizona Cardinals

The NFL team that has requested permission to interview Williams for their vacant quarterbacks coach position.

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What they’re saying

“Arizona Cardinals have requested to interview Dan Williams for their QB coach position, per source.”

— Cameron Wolfe, NFL Network Reporter (X)

“Williams is in Year 7 with Chiefs, last 3 as assistant QB coach. A young rising coach and key figure for Patrick Mahomes with a chance for elevation.”

— Cameron Wolfe, NFL Network Reporter (X)

What’s next

The Chiefs will need to quickly find a replacement for Williams if he accepts the Cardinals' offer, as his departure could have a significant impact on Mahomes' development and the team's offensive success.

The takeaway

The potential loss of assistant coach Dan Williams, who has worked closely with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, highlights the challenges the Chiefs face in maintaining coaching continuity after a disappointing season. Retaining key offensive assistants will be crucial for Kansas City as they look to bounce back and return to the playoffs in 2026.