The Kansas City Chiefs have officially moved on from Connor Embree, ending his seven-year run with the team, including three seasons as their wide receivers coach.
The departure comes amid growing frustration behind the scenes over the development of the team’s receiving corps and follows a disappointing 6-11 campaign in 2025 that kept the Chiefs out of the playoffs.
Frustration Building Among Players
According to ESPN’s Nate Taylor, dissatisfaction with Embree had been simmering for two seasons before his firing.
Taylor highlighted that star receivers Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice were relying more on veterans Travis Kelce and DeAndre Hopkins than on their own position coach for guidance and development.
Speaking on 96.5 The Fan, Taylor explained, “Xavier Worthy got noticeably better the moment DeAndre Hopkins arrived.
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.”
Worthy’s improvement during his rookie year is partly expected for a first-year NFL player, but Taylor points out that the timing coincides closely with Hopkins’ arrival, suggesting a lack of effective coaching support from Embree.
The Hopkins Factor
DeAndre Hopkins joined the Chiefs midseason in October 2024 after being traded from the Tennessee Titans.
The Chiefs gave up a fifth-round pick, which later became a fourth-rounder as the team reached the Super Bowl.
Hopkins left Kansas City for the Baltimore Ravens once his contract expired at the end of the season.
Alongside Kelce, whose career speaks for itself, these veteran players helped fill a gap that critics say Embree struggled to address.
Even as the team struggled overall, Kelce had another solid individual season, underlining the contrast between player performance and coaching support.
Chiefs’ Struggles in 2025
Catching issues plagued the Chiefs throughout their disappointing season.
Taylor doubled down on his comments on KC Sports Network, noting, “Connor Embree had multiple years to develop these players, and it was unfortunate, but that was the reality of the situation.”
The firing is seen as part of a broader shake-up that could extend beyond the wide receivers coach.
Wider Coaching Changes Expected
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is strongly linked with the Tennessee Titans’ head coaching vacancy, and the Chiefs have requested permission to interview defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for other roles.
Even if Nagy does not take the Titans’ job, his departure from Kansas City appears likely.
Potential replacements include Mike McDaniel and Kliff Kingsbury.
Potential Off-Field Issues for Rashee Rice
The team is also dealing with off-field distractions.
The NFL is investigating an explosive social media post made by Rashee Rice’s ex-girlfriend, who alleged domestic violence.
While she did not name Rice directly, many interpreted the post as referring to him.
The Chiefs confirmed that they are aware of the allegations and are in communication with the NFL but provided no further comment.
Looking Ahead for Kansas City
With Embree gone and potential coaching shifts on the horizon, Kansas City is signaling a significant reset for the offense.
The focus will be on rebuilding confidence among receivers, integrating new coaching approaches, and addressing off-field distractions as the team aims to return to playoff contention in 2026.
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