By JACK BEZANTS, US DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 20:20 EST, 8 January 2026 | Updated: 20:38 EST, 8 January 2026

Frustration has reportedly been simmering behind the scenes at the Kansas City Chiefs for the past two seasons over the performance and role of wide receivers coach Connor Embree, a tension that finally culminated in his dismissal earlier this week.

Embree spent seven years with the organization, three of them as the team’s wide receivers coach, but his tenure ended amid speculation that head coach Andy Reid plans a significant overhaul after Kansas City failed to reach the playoffs in the 2025 campaign.

According to ESPN’s Nate Taylor, improving the Chiefs’ offense in 2026 may not require monumental adjustments, as he claims the ingredients for success are already in place, if the coaching situation is corrected and the roster is properly supported.

Taylor highlighted that Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice reportedly became frustrated with Embree’s coaching, often relying on veteran leadership from Travis Kelce and, previously, DeAndre Hopkins, to guide their development rather than the assigned position coach.

Speaking on 96.5 The Fan, Taylor said: “I know the receivers themselves were frustrated with their own position coach. Xavier Worthy, as a receiver in his rookie season, got better the absolute moment DeAndre Hopkins arrived.”

He added: “I could argue that DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Kelce have been more impactful to the development of Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy than Connor Embree. That’s a problem for any team trying to build cohesion and consistency.”

Worthy’s improvement over the course of his rookie season is partly attributed to normal developmental progress, but the arrival of Hopkins in October 2024, following a trade from the Tennessee Titans, appears to have accelerated his growth significantly.

The trade itself involved the Chiefs sending a fifth-round pick, which became a fourth-rounder after Kansas City reached the Super Bowl, showcasing the organization’s willingness to invest in immediate veteran help. Hopkins later became a free agent and joined the Baltimore Ravens at the conclusion of the season.

Kelce’s influence, of course, is indisputable. The tight end has long been regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history, and whether he retires soon or returns for another campaign, his mentorship has clearly left a mark on younger receivers despite the team’s overall struggles in 2025.

Despite Kelce’s individual success, the Chiefs’ offense was hampered by persistent catching issues, contributing to a disappointing 6-11 season, a record that has intensified scrutiny on Embree’s leadership and coaching methods.

Taylor later reiterated his points on KC Sports Network, stating: “Connor Embree had multiple years to develop these players. It was unfortunate, but the reality is that frustrations existed. Players need guidance, and that’s the position coach’s responsibility.”

It is widely expected that Embree’s departure may not be the only shakeup in Kansas City’s coaching staff, with further adjustments likely to follow as the team seeks a fresh start in 2026.

Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy has been strongly linked to the Tennessee Titans’ head coaching vacancy, and the Chiefs have also requested permission to interview defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for potential openings, signaling broader organizational restructuring.

Nagy is expected to leave the Chiefs regardless of whether he secures the Titans role, with names like Mike McDaniel and Kliff Kingsbury being discussed as potential replacements for the offensive coordinator position.

In addition to coaching concerns, there may also be challenges surrounding Rashee Rice. The NFL is reportedly investigating allegations of domestic violence made by Rice’s ex-girlfriend and mother of his children in a recent social media post, though she did not explicitly name him.

The implications are serious for the team, given Rice’s role as a star receiver. Many observers have interpreted the social media post as a direct accusation, putting the organization under increased scrutiny and prompting immediate dialogue with the league.

The Chiefs issued a statement on Wednesday night, saying: “The club is aware of the allegations on social media and is in communication with the National Football League. We have no further comment at this time.”

The combination of coaching turnover, player investigations, and missed postseason expectations marks a pivotal moment for Kansas City, as the organization prepares to rebuild confidence, culture, and performance heading into the 2026 NFL season.

With veteran leadership from Kelce, emerging talent like Worthy and Rice, and an anticipated wave of staff changes, the Chiefs will aim to restore their offensive potency and recapture the consistency that has eluded them in recent campaigns.