Eric Bieniemy Reveals Andy Reid's Role in His Return to Chiefs as Offensive Coordinator

Eric Bieniemy spoke to the press for the first time on Wednesday since being hired as the Kansas City Chiefs’ new offensive coordinator. The 56-year-old returns to Kansas City after three years away from the team. Bieniemy was with the Chiefs for a decade, from 2013 to 2022, before he joined the Washington Commanders as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. He comes in to replace Matt Nagy, who is seeking a head coaching position elsewhere.

Bieniemy expressed his excitement to return to the Chiefs under head coach Andy Reid. He also shared that he’s had brief conversations with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Bieniemy said that “he’s looking forward to getting back in the grind and chopping wood with them.”

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy reacts during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders.Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images

(Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)

Before agreeing to return to Kansas City, Bieniemy spent the past season with the Chicago Bears. He served as the team’s running backs coach under Ben Johnson. Bieniemy also spent one season with the UCLA Bruins as assistant head coach and OC during his time away from the Chiefs.

When asked how his decision came to be, Bieniemy revealed that Reid played a key role in convincing him to rejoin the Chiefs.

“Well, to be quite honest, it just happened,” Bieniemy said. “We were playing in the playoffs, and unfortunately, we came up short. The next day, I get a phone call, Big Red is calling.”

Having the opportunity to reunite with the likes of Mahomes and Kelce was a significant factor in Bieniemy’s decision to return to Kansas City. However, Bieniemy admitted that the chance to coach under Reid was one of the most significant factors in his decision.

“It was real, real tough making this decision,” Bieniemy said. “But it was an opportunity to come home. … Big Red ever picks up the phone, that’s the only person that you’ll say, ‘You know what, it may be time to return home because he’s giving me this opportunity.'”

While there is a lot of excitement with Bieniemy’s return, the veteran coach also inherits an offense that requires fixing.

The Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014 after finishing the regular season with a 6-11 record. Kansas City ranked 16th in the NFL in passing yards (3,639), 21st in passing touchdowns (23), 25th in rushing yards (1,812) and 20th in rushing TDs (15).

Mahomes is recovering from a season-ending knee injury, while Kelce is still pondering retirement. Bieniemy’s return is a significant boost for the organization, but he faces some major challenges in 2026.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Eric Bieniemy Reveals Andy Reid’s Role in His Return to Chiefs as Offensive Coordinator

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