Andy Reid is getting ever closer to a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that the former Philadelphia Eagles coach's people have started the process of canceling potential interviews with the San Diego Chargers and Arizona Cardinals, according to a source briefed on Reid's plans. One person whom Reid has spoken with believes a deal is getting close with the Chiefs, who are making a hard push to keep the coach from talking to other teams.
Reid plans to bring former Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert with him if he accepts the Chiefs job, Rapoport reported. Heckert's involvement isn't a deal-breaker, but we don't see why the Chiefs would have a problem with it.
If Kansas City closes the deal, it will mark the second dramatic turn for the franchise in four years. Chairman Clark Hunt hired Pioli from the New England Patriots to rebuild the entire organization. Two head coaches later, Hunt looks ready to hand the keys to Reid.
Reid would bring more than just an offensive system to the Chiefs. He has a defined organizational way of doing things, from the front office down to practices. There is a long list of Reid-trained coaches ready to assist him.
The Cardinals also appeared ready to entrust their franchise to Reid, but it appears they won't even have a chance to talk to him. It looks like Reid is headed to the AFC West.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
