Eric Bieniemy is back with the Kansas City Chiefs as their offensive coordinator, marking a significant homecoming for the well-regarded coach. Bieniemy spent the last three seasons away from Kansas City, serving as offensive coordinator for Washington in 2023 and UCLA in 2024, before taking on the role of running backs coach for the Chicago Bears in 2025. His return to the Chiefs, where he previously held the offensive coordinator position from 2018 to 2022, was initiated by a call from head coach Andy Reid.
The news of Bieniemy's return has been met with a largely positive reception from players. Current Chiefs left tackle Josh Simmons described Bieniemy's impact as intense and motivating, stating that the coach's presence creates an atmosphere of accountability. Former Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, who now plays for the Detroit Lions, echoed these sentiments, expressing that players are relishing what Bieniemy brings to the team. Pacheco noted that Bieniemy's return emphasizes accountability and attention to detail, qualities that resonate with players even after they have left the franchise.
Bieniemy's previous tenure with the Chiefs was marked by significant success, including two Super Bowl victories and consistent high rankings in NFL scoring. During his time as offensive coordinator, the team never finished lower than sixth in the league in scoring. His return is seen as a strategic move by the Chiefs to reinvigorate their offense, particularly their struggling run game, which ranked last in the NFL for rushes of 20+ yards in the previous season. Bieniemy's experience coaching the Bears' rushing attack to third in the league in 2025 adds to the optimism surrounding his second stint. Despite his return, head coach Andy Reid is expected to continue handling most of the play-calling duties.
