Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric BIeniemy is now back at training camp after his wife, Mia, was shot.
The Kansas City Chiefs got some good news a week into training camp, as offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy returned to team after leaving due to the recent shooting of his wife, Mia, by the couple’s 27-year old son Elijah at their Virginia home.
The shooting occurred two weeks ago on July 27, with Mia Bieniemy reportedly shot twice, with the reports of his return coming from Jesse Newell of The Athletic with the story quickly picked up by multiple other outlets. Eric Bieniemy has been at her side since, and it was initially unknown when he would be able to return before she began to recover and her health started improving.
According to Newell, Bieniemy told fans and well-wishers “it’s great to be back” as he made his way to the practice field, and coach Andy Reid commented on his return as well.
“Good to have E.B. back — back in the fold,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “I don’t think he missed a step. Man, he was out there getting after it. So that’s a positive for the offensive side.”
Elijah Bieniemy was arrested and charged after the shooting, with reports stating that “one adult female (suffered) from multiple gunshot wounds,” via a statement from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. Elijah Bieniemy, 27, was charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling.
Bieniemy has been live streaming practices recently, and Reid said he knew his offensive coordinator could be back soon when Bieniemy relayed a call with instructions for rookie running back Emmettt Johnson.
“I was talking to him several times a day, so I knew he was coming back (soon) if everything worked out the way it had been,” Reid said. “The primary thing is Mia is stable and in good hands and she’s doing well.”
Bieniemy returned to the Chiefs this year after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders in 2023. Per Newell, the couple’s home is roughly three miles from the Commanders’ practice facility.
Bieniemy, whose previous stint with Kansas City came from 2018-2022, was brought back to help instill discipline in the offensive and re-emphasize fundamentals for a unit that struggled last year as the Chiefs went 6-11. His presence was noticed immediately by multiple offensive players.
“Just being able to have his voice and his coaching points and his energy, it’s infectious,” Chiefs tight end Jake Briningstool said. “It’s great to have him back out here.”
