Why Chiefs extending Andy Reid, Brett Veach and Mark Donovan is their latest win

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Why Chiefs extending Andy Reid, Brett Veach and Mark Donovan is their latest win

Clark Hunt, the club owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, secured another major victory for his franchise Monday night ahead of the team’s 2024 campaign. As the NFL’s reigning champions, the Chiefs, under Hunt’s leadership, announced contract extensions for coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach and team president Mark Donovan, which have been expected since the team’s offseason began two months ago.

The extension for Reid and Veach will run through the 2029 season, a league source told The Athletic.

Through his new deal, Reid, the NFL’s oldest coach at age 66, is expected to be the league’s highest-paid coach, according to the NFL Network, a contract where he would earn more than $18 million per year, surpassing Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton.

“Mark, Brett and Andy have achieved historic success together, and we are thrilled that they will continue in their roles for many years to come,” Hunt said in a statement through the team. “Individually, Mark, Brett and Andy each represent the best in the National Football League at their respective positions, and together, they make up one of the finest leadership teams in all of professional sports. They have been tremendous leaders for this organization on and off the field, and we look forward to their continued success in the years ahead.”

As one of the league’s most respected owners since he became the Chiefs’ CEO in 2010, Hunt has invested a significant amount of money in retaining Reid’s assistants through significant raises, along with personnel and business staff, to help sustain the franchise’s success.

The Chiefs finished last season winning their second consecutive Super Bowl, becoming the first team to do so in two decades, a feat that has made them the league’s newest dynasty. Reid confirmed after the Super Bowl that he would return next season as the Chiefs chase a never-before-done three-peat. Reid has been an NFL head coach for 25 years — 14 with the Philadelphia Eagles and 11 with the Chiefs. He joined the Chiefs in 2013 and led the team to their first championship under him in February 2020. Following that Super Bowl victory, the Chiefs signed Reid to a six-year extension.

Reid is a future Hall of Famer known for his offensive innovations who has led the Chiefs to a winning record every year since 2013.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Clark and the entire Hunt family for giving me the opportunity to lead this historic franchise,” Reid said in a statement through the team. “Over the last 11 years, (wife) Tammy and I have enjoyed calling Kansas City our home. The community has embraced us, we’ve watched our family grow, including having all 12 grandkids during our time here.

“On the field, there have been so many people that have contributed to our success and Super Bowls, and I’m grateful to the players, coaches and staff that have all invested their time into this process. I’d also like to thank my agent, Bob LaMonte. Chiefs Kingdom is a special place and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to be here.”

Reid and Veach, who was promoted to his role in July 2017, have worked together for the past 17 years, first with the Eagles.

As the Chiefs attempt to continue their supremacy in the NFL, Hunt made it a priority to ensure the franchise keeps its most prominent members — Reid, Veach, Donovan and quarterback Patrick Mahomes — together for several more years. Earlier this offseason, Clark, Reid and Veach worked together to retain pass rusher Chris Jones, the team’s best defensive player who last month signed a five-year, $158.75 million contract, including $60 fully guaranteed.

Mahomes’ contract — the longest in the league — runs through the 2031 season.

“I’d like to thank Clark and the entire Hunt family for the support I’ve received these past seven seasons,” Veach said in a statement through the team. “I am blessed to work alongside very talented people and am proud of the work we’ve done to bring three Super Bowls to Kansas City. I am excited to continue my career in a city that’s embraced me and my family the way it has and look forward to more opportunities to bring more championships to Chiefs Kingdom.”

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(Photo: Timothy A. Clary / AFP via Getty Images)