The Kansas City Chiefs are rehiring a familiar face to be the next offensive coordinator; read what Travis Kelce said about Eric Bieniemy.
The Kansas City Chiefs are moving in a new direction after a disappointing 2025 campaign saw the team miss the playoffs for the first time since 2014.
Even if star quarterback and two-time Most Valuable Player Patrick Mahomes didn’t go down with a devastating injury, the Chiefs weren’t going to make the playoffs. There are several reasons for that, and one could look at the coaching staff for some answers.
The Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy, has been taking head coaching interviews for the last couple of weeks, and while he missed out on landing the Tennessee Titans job, he still isn’t expected to return as his contract will expire.
Mahomes commented on what he wants in an offensive coordinator and expressed his desire to evolve, be held accountable and playing great football every day.
He’s had a coach that will hold him accountable and the Chiefs took note of what Mahomes said, rehiring him as the team’s next offensive coordinator: Eric Bieniemy.
Bieniemy is widely respected around the league for his gritty coaching style and desire to win. The Chiefs were a powerhouse with Bieniemy as OC, winning two Super Bowls in his five-year tenure in that role. He joined the organization in 2013 as a running backs coach, the last role he had as a member of the Chicago Bears this season.
Bieniemy is directly responsible for running back D’Andre Swift’s resurgence and rookie RB Kyle Monangai’s explosive year, and he should be able to do the same again in Kansas City with whatever route they decide to go with that position group.
“[Andy] Reid could see a reunion with Bieniemy as a clear path for the Chiefs offense to once again become one of the league's most potent units,” ESPN’s Nate Taylor wrote Wednesday. “In his previous five years with the Chiefs, Bieniemy helped the offense finish no lower than sixth in points per game.”
Bieniemy is the perfect man for the job. No disrespect to Nagy, but their coaching styles differ tremendously and for what Mahomes wants in an OC candidate, he doesn’t fit the bill.
Star tight end Travis Kelce chimed in on Bieniemy during an episode of the Kelce brothers’ “New Heights” podcast and even hinted toward a decision on playing next season.
“I love that (expletive). I think it’s great. I think it’s a marriage that’s going to pick up right where it left off. EB and who he is as a coach – you could see kind of his personality, what he brings to the table in that Chicago team… I can’t wait to see him back in the building,” Kelce said on the most recent episode. “He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time. One of my favorite people of all time. I’ve had so many unbelievable, growing moments under him as a player and a person. I just love the guy and it’s going to be awesome to see him back in the building and seeing him wear the Chiefs logo, baby.”
Kansas City adding Bieniemy back into the fold may have just secured themselves one more season of Kelce, but even if it didn’t, his impact will go a long way for everyone else within the organization.