Bieniemy Talks Wife’s Recovery As He Discusses Shooting

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator provided an update on the recovery of his wife Mia today, as he briefly commented on the shooting incident in which his wife was allegedly shot by the couple’s son last month at the family home in Virginia. 

"She is on a great road to recovery," Eric Bieniemy said in his first comments since July 27, when he left the team, according to a report from Nate Taylor of ESPN. He added: "She is doing great. It's one of the main reasons why I'm back here, because of her recovery. She's truly a soldier, she's a saint and it's been incredible to watch.

"I know I was driving her and a bunch of my family members crazy in the house. She was like, 'You have my blessing to leave.'"

Bieniemy missed 11 of the Chiefs’ initial training camp practices to travel to Virginia to be with Mia, who is 57, after she was hospitalized on July 26. She has remained in stable condition. Coach Andy Reid provided the initial update a few days after the shooting when she was released from the intensive care unit. 

"Obviously, the unfortunate circumstances, which took place, [were] very hurtful, in a way," Eric Bieniemy said. "I'd also like to say thank you to the entire Chiefs family for the outpouring [of] love and support that my family has received through this particular situation."

Per Taylor, Elijah Zion Bieniemy, 27, was arrested and charged July 27 with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. Sources told ESPN that Mia Bieniemy was shot in the chest and arm. Elijah Bieniemy is being held without bond at a detention center in Loudoun County.

Pamela Brooks, a Loudon County judge, has granted a motion for the attorney of Elijah Bieniemy on July 30 to undergo a competency evaluation involving his case. The preliminary hearing for the case is scheduled for Sept. 9, according to Taylor, and Eric Bieniemy declined to provide any updates on his son. 

Bieniemy was able to stream live practices while in Virginia, and he commented on some of his reactions to what he saw. 

"Technology is pretty impressive," Bieniemy said. "My language probably got a little colorful in the house. I had a bunch of family members that were there that really never heard some of the language that was used. It felt good just to see the guys work and to feel like I was still a part of it."

Bieniemy got back to his raucous coaching ways after he was greeted with a handshake by each of his offensive lineman, Taylor wrote, and he’s back to shouting at players like receiver Rashee Rice for poor fundamentals and missesd assignments. 

"It feels good to be back," Bieniemy said. "When you've been in this environment, this is your family away from your family. I've been a part of this sport since the age of 6, so this has been a part of who I am. This is a beautiful sport. You have your highs and lows with what takes place on the field. But it's all about people being united for one common goal.

"It means a lot to not only have great players, but more importantly great people that care about you not just as a coach but who you are as a person, a family man."