Chiefs Coach sends a strong message to Patrick Mahomes: Winning is the only thing that matters

The Week 6 game against the Detroit Lions is crucial to the Kansas City Chiefs’ aspirations. With a 2-3 record and worrying penalty issues, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy sent a strong message to Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the team: winning isn’t the important thing; it’s the only thing.  The team has rebounded from its shocking 0-2 start, but it hasn’t been enough. With the team stuck in third place in the AFC West, the game against the Lions could be the turning point for the Chiefs.

Head coach Andy Reid’s team needs a win to maintain their playoff hopes. However, if they play like they did in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, their hopes will diminish.  The team indeed looked better than it had all season. The offense racked up 476 yards, and the defense allowed just 319. However, Nagy reminded everyone that none of that matters if they don’t continue to check off boxes in the win column.

For his 30th birthday, our gift to you is 30 minutes of Patrick Mahomes highlights ⏰ pic.twitter.com/ctHBvrKMcc

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 17, 2025

Nagy’s message to Mahomes

In a press conference ahead of the game against Detroit, Nagy began by acknowledging the team’s work. He praised the way the offense and defense have complemented each other, but warned that it’s not enough.  “We want more, and we know, in the end, none of that stuff matters other than winning,” Nagy emphasized. The coach went further, saying, “And we don’t care how ugly or pretty it is, we want to win.”

For some insiders, Nagy’s message is more than a pre-game pep talk ahead of a game that could determine their season. Rather, they explain, it could signal a shift in the Chiefs’ offensive philosophy.  If Nagy is willing to accept his unit’s ugly play in exchange for more wins, perhaps it will make a considerable difference in how Mahomes faces the Lions.

#Chiefs OC Matt Nagy:
“We don’t care how ugly or pretty it is, we want to win.” pic.twitter.com/WIJgq6sVRM

— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) October 9, 2025

Mahomes is looking on the bright side

While Nagy is hinting at a shift to a more pragmatic offense, Mahomes is seeing the glass half full. “We’re getting better,” the signal-caller assured in a press conference.  “That’s all you can do. We’re getting better and better,” Mahomes said, also pointing to Rashee Rice’s imminent return from a six-game suspension.  “Just getting him [Rice] into the offense as well. But at the end of the day, it’s all about winning,” he acknowledged, jumping on Nagy’s bandwagon in search of getting his team out of its slump.