Chiefs Bring Back Eric Bieniemy as Offensive Coordinator to Revitalize Mahomes-Led Attack
The Kansas City Chiefs are turning to a familiar face to steer their ship back to championship waters. After a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw the franchise miss the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, the Kansas City Chiefs have reportedly agreed to terms to bring back Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator.
A High-Stakes Reunion in Kansas City
The news, first reported by NFL Insider Jordan Schultz and confirmed by multiple outlets, marks a significant strategic pivot for head coach Andy Reid. Eric Bieniemy, who served as the team’s offensive coordinator during their most dominant five-year stretch from 2018 to 2022, returns to a team in desperate need of a spark. The move comes on the heels of a 6-11 season that was marred by offensive inconsistency and a devastating season-ending ACL and LCL tear suffered by Patrick Mahomes in December.
By rehiring Bieniemy, the Chiefs are betting on the “accountability” and intensity that became his trademark during his first stint in Missouri. Mahomes himself recently alluded to the need for a culture shift, stating he wanted a coordinator who would "hold people accountable" and bring "new ideas every single day." For a locker room looking to rediscover its winning identity while Mahomes rehabilitates for a Week 1 return, Bieniemy is seen as the perfect cultural fit.
The Impact of the Eric Bieniemy Era
It is impossible to overstate the success the Chiefs enjoyed during the first Eric Bieniemy tenure. During his five seasons as offensive coordinator, the Chiefs' offense never ranked lower than sixth in the league in scoring. Under his guidance, Mahomes won two NFL MVP awards, and the team secured two Super Bowl titles while appearing in three.
Since Bieniemy’s departure following the 2022 season, the Chiefs' offensive production has seen a noticeable dip. In 2025, the unit plummeted to 20th in total yards and 21st in points per game. While Andy Reid remains the primary play-caller, Bieniemy’s role in game planning, player development, and situational football was a critical component of the team’s historic efficiency.
What This Means for Matt Nagy and the Coaching Staff
The return of Bieniemy coincides with the expiration of Matt Nagy’s contract. Nagy, who served as the offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, has been a frequent name in head coaching rumors this offseason, including a second interview with the Tennessee Titans. While Nagy’s future remains uncertain, it is clear the Chiefs were ready for a change at the top of the offensive staff.
Bieniemy’s Journey Back to the Kingdom
Since leaving Kansas City, Bieniemy has traversed both the NFL and collegiate ranks to broaden his resume:
- 2023: Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator for the Washington Commanders.
- 2024: Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator at UCLA.
- 2025: Running Backs Coach for the Chicago Bears under Ben Johnson, where he helped lead a top-five rushing attack.
Now, he returns to the franchise where he spent a decade of his career, starting as a running backs coach in 2013 before his promotion to OC in 2018.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The immediate priority for Bieniemy will be overseeing the offensive transition as Mahomes recovers from his knee injury. The star quarterback has expressed confidence that he will be ready for the season opener, and having a coordinator he trusts implicitly will be vital for his re-integration into the lineup. Furthermore, the Chiefs face questions regarding the future of veteran tight end Travis Kelce, who has reportedly been mulling retirement.
With Eric Bieniemy back in the fold, the Chiefs are signaling to the rest of the AFC that their 2025 slump was an outlier. By reuniting the core leadership that defined a dynasty, Kansas City is officially in "reset" mode, aiming to reclaim their spot atop the NFL hierarchy in 2026.
