Chiefs coaches speak about Shane Buechele's improvement in preseason
Craig McMullen
Quarterback Shane Buechele joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2021. Throughout his time with the Chiefs he has had the opportunity to sit behind and learn from two time Super Bowl champion and league MVP Patrick Mahomes.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said that in the short time working with Buechele, he has seen growth in him as a player and as a person.
“It’s been really neat watching him grow coming in last year and not knowing him,” Nagy said. “Just seeing where he’s been as a player as a person; learning this offense has certainly helped being in that room with Pat. Now I mean the offseason and the preseason games are all about opportunities. Coach has a great way of going through those types of battles, at all positions, and I think the competition brings out the best in everybody and you see that with Shane.”
During the 2023 preseason Buechele has turned heads in the Chiefs Kingdom after passing for 260 yards, throwing two touchdowns and rushing for one.
“You love being able to see guys have success when behind the scenes they put in all this work and they do all the stuff behind the scenes in practice, all last couple years and now to get an opportunity, he’s played well.” Nagy said.
He has quickly become a favorite to backup Mahomes after spending his first two years on the practice squad.
Coach Andy Reid says that he has seen a vast improvement from Buechele from last season to this season.
“He’s familiar with the offense, he knows how we do things, he’s got a pretty good feel for the game just in general,” coach Reid said. “You can see the improvement he’s made from last year with his accuracy, throws, choices on his throws, he’s had a chance to look at these coverages and blitzes that these coordinators throw at you.”
Buechele will get the chance to add to his preseason highlights this Saturday as the Chiefs play the Cleveland Browns in the final preseason game Saturday Aug. 26.
