Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Emmitt Thomas is retiring from the NFL, per an official press release from the team. Thomas coached in the league for 38 years. This includes as a defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and three games as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Since then, Thomas has been the defensive backs coach from 2010 to 2018. Thomas began coaching after playing 13 seasons with the Chiefs. He was a four-time All-Pro and won a ring in Super Bowl IV. He's already a Pro Football Hall of Famer. His uniform number 18 is retired by the organization.

The team’s announcement included statements from team owner Clark Hunt, head coach Andy Reid, and Thomas himself.

Emmitt Thomas wrote via the team's statement:

“I have been blessed and honored to be a part of the NFL for the last 51 years. My journey started in Kansas City, and by the grace of God I am able to end my NFL career here as well. I would like to thank the Hunt family and the Chiefs organization for all that they have done for me in my special days here in Kansas City. It has been a privilege to work alongside the great coaches that have come through this building. Having the opportunity to coach so many talented young men in my time as a coach has been one of my greatest gifts. Additionally, I’d like to thank the Bidwill family and Coach Jim Hanifan for giving me my first NFL coaching job in St. Louis as well as Coach Walt Hicklin who introduced me to coaching at the University of Central Missouri back in 1979. I love Kansas City and this fan base and can’t thank them enough for all the support they have given me in my time here as a player and a coach.”

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Chiefs Travis Kelce with Eagles Jason Kelce amid missing Super Bowl ring

Jay Postrado ·

Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes laughs at dad bod build, Super Bowl fans in background

Christopher Smith ·

Alex Rodriguez shared key info on a funny convo with Patrick Mahomes.

Nick Meyer ·

Per Field Yates of ESPN, the Chiefs have hired Dave Merritt as is his replacement. He was formerly the defensive back coach with the Arizona Cardinals. Merritt was also with the New York Giants for 13 years, mostly as a defensive secondary coach. Merritt was also a defensive coordinator with the team from 2015 through 2017.