Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck both have some familiarity with the new OG Kelechi Osemele.
Back in 2017, the Chiefs’ coaching staff were selected to coach the AFC Team at the Pro Bowl. It was the fifth time that Reid had coached the Pro Bowl during his career. He’d have a number of his players join him too, including Alex Smith, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce.
That same season, Osemele, was selected to his first career Pro Bowl. He played for the Oakland Raiders, so he was among the players that the Kansas City coaching staff had an opportunity to work with. The AFC team won the game 20-17, with Osemele protecting Smith during his touchdown pass.
On Tuesday, Reid spoke with the media about Osemele and what he brings to the table for the Chiefs’ offensive line.
“I sure like him,” Reid said. “We had him in the Pro Bowl one year — I liked him there as a guy. I’m glad he’s with us. It builds depth for us and competition. As you know that generates good offensive line play or any position play when you have that kind of competition.”
As for the position that Osemele might play in Kansas City, Reid wouldn’t speculate. He knows that Heck plans to cross-train him at a number of different positions.
“So, [Chiefs offensive line coach] Andy Heck works all those guys in,” Reid said. “He keeps a rotation going and they’re all kind of interchangeable there, the way that Andy does it.”
Fans might scoff at the importance of the Pro Bowl, but the Chiefs’ coaching staff clearly took the opportunity to get to know some players around the league. Years down the line that knowledge gained has the potential to pay off as they reinforce the depth along the offensive line.
