There’s just one thing that matters about Eric Bieniemy’s return to Chiefs
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs requested an interview with Eric Bieniemy after his season as Bears RB coach.
- Patrick Mahomes will have major input, seeking accountability and new ideas daily.
- Fan reaction divides over Bieniemy; Chiefs aim for fresh offensive concepts.
There is no consensus among Kansas City fans about the likelihood of Eric Bieniemy returning to the Chiefs as offensive coordinator.
The Chiefs reportedly contacted the Bears, requesting an interview with Bieniemy, who was Chicago’s running backs coach this past season. Bieniemy was on Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s staff for 10 years, from 2013-22.
During his first five seasons, Bieniemy was the Chiefs’ running backs coach before spending the next five as offensive coordinator.
News of a possible Bieniemy return to Kansas City had some fans excited, while others want someone outside of Reid’s coaching tree to be offensive coordinator, as it appears Matt Nagy will leave the team.
But there is only one opinion that matters, and it’s not Reid’s. It’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs’ offense had uneven success through the first 14 games, then looked abysmal when Mahomes was lost for the season because of a knee injury.
In a perfect world, Bieniemy would bring some of Bears coach Ben Johnson’s ideas with him back to Kansas City. The Chiefs could use a fresh perspective.
Mahomes said as much last week during a conference call.
“I just want someone that loves football, that cares about football, wants to give everything they can to win,” Mahomes said. “To hold people accountable and then to bring new ideas every single day. That’s something that we have to continue to do if you want to continue to be great in this league.”
Bieniemy left the Chiefs to become the Commanders’ offensive coordinator, and Washington players didn’t take to his intense coaching style.
Former Chiefs running back LeSean McCoy wasn’t a fan of Bieniemy and offered a critical opinion after the Commanders announced the hire.
That led Mahomes to respond, offering an impassioned defense on X. It shows he is likely happy about the reunion.
“There should be no questions on how great of a man/coach Coach Bieniemy is,” Mahomes wrote. “His leadership has a direct impact on the player/person I am today! 10+ years learning under one of the greatest coaches of all time ... and I cannot wait for him to continue to prove doubters wrong!”
There’s little question that Mahomes will have at least some input on a possible replacement for Nagy. And if Mahomes is in favor of Bieniemy returning to the Chiefs, that’s what matters most.
This story was originally published January 20, 2026 at 8:41 AM with the headline "There’s just one thing that matters about Eric Bieniemy’s return to Chiefs."
