Reid plotting title defense from basement

KANSAS CITY, MO. » Andy Reid is like most people these days. The Kansas City Chiefs coach is hunkered down in his basement, trying to avoid going out in public as he works from a makeshift office consisting of a computer, an iPad and an old side table.

The difference, though: He’s trying to build a team that can defend a Super Bowl title.

It’s hard enough when things are normal — only seven franchises have won back-toback championships. But it’s even more difficult when the offseason has been thrown into turmoil because of the coronavirus pandemic, affecting everything from free agency to the NFL draft to team workouts that should have begun this month, but will not.

“Well, we stay as current as we can through information from the league,” Reid said on a conference call with local reporters Thursday. “We’re approaching it like we’re having a season, and I think it’s two-fold because it can be a real positive energy giver back to the country at a time of maybe need for that. At the same time, we’re very sensitive to what’s going on.”

Reid has the same feeling about the upcoming NFL draft, which will take place without fans later this month amid the nationwide lockdown. It could be a pleasant distraction during abnormal times, but it will also take place as many people are dealing with crippling health and financial problems that are far more important.

In the meantime, Reid and Chiefs general manager Brett Veach to keep plugging away on their roster.