On Sunday and Monday, there was quite a buzz at the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp.

Wearing Chiefs gear, former NFL coach (and broadcaster) Jon Gruden was present for the team’s practices at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, observing practice alongside head coach Andy Reid and the rest of the Kansas City coaching staff.

It’s not the first time that Gruden — who last coached the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 — has visited a team’s training camp. At around this time last year, he visited the New Orleans Saints training camp, where he assisted head coach Dennis Allen during their transition to former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.

Gruden’s presence at Kansas City’s camp sparked questions (and speculation) about a potential role with the team — but according to Reid, there is a straightforward explanation.

“He loves football,” Reid said of Gruden after Monday’s practice. “He and I go way back — about 30 years — so we’ve known each other a long time.”

Reid and Gruden’s friendship dates back to when both were assistant coaches for the Green Bay Packers from 1992 through 1994, working under head coach Mike Holmgren. At the time, Reid was an offensive assistant, while Gruden served as the team’s wide receivers coach. Both went on to compete against each other as head coaches — and win Super Bowls.

For Reid, Gruden’s presence is an opportunity to reunite with an old friend — and bring an extra layer of expertise to his coaching staff during training camp.

“It’s good to get him up here,” he added. “He’s always got good input on things. He’s very smart. He’s a great football coach and I enjoy having him around. Great energy.”