Andy Reid is bringing back the offensive coordinator credited with the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive prowess. The Chiefs have reached an agreement with Eric Bieniemy, as confirmed by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who announced the return on Wednesday.
Bieniemy is set to resume his role as Kansas City’s offensive coordinator, replacing Matt Nagy.
Nagy, whose contract with the Chiefs was nearing its end, was reportedly considered for the head coach position with the Tennessee Titans, a role that was eventually given to Robert Saleh.
Following his three seasons in Kansas City, Nagy conducted an interview for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator opening on Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Regarding Bieniemy, he previously held the position of offensive coordinator for the Chiefs from 2018 to 2022, playing a part in two of the three Super Bowl victories achieved by two-time NFL MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Bieniemy joined Reid’s initial Chiefs coaching staff in 2013, serving as the running backs coach for five years prior to his elevation to offensive coordinator.
Bieniemy oversaw Kansas City’s offense during Patrick Mahomes’ initial five seasons as the primary starting quarterback. During this period, the Chiefs achieved average point totals of 35.3 in 2018, 28.2 in 2019, 29.6 in 2020, 28.2 in 2021, and 29.2 in 2022. They consistently ranked among the top six in the league for scoring throughout these seasons, securing the top spot twice.
To provide context, Kansas City has not surpassed an average of 22.6 points per game in any season since that period.
With Bieniemy at the helm, Mahomes quickly found his stride. In his initial full season, he recorded a personal best of 50 touchdown passes. Beyond their Super Bowl victories in the 2019 and 2022 seasons, the Chiefs also reached the championship game in the 2020 campaign, where they were ultimately overcome by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Even with consistent speculation surrounding his prospects during the NFL’s coaching hiring cycles, Bieniemy did not secure a head-coaching position. He departed Kansas City in 2023 to manage the Washington Commanders’ offense. However, his tenure in Washington was brief, as the majority of Ron Rivera’s staff was replaced when Dan Quinn assumed leadership the subsequent season.
Bieniemy then moved to UCLA but was dismissed after a single season, with the Bruins averaging only 18.4 points per game and achieving a 5-7 record, including just 3-6 within Big Ten play. He made his way back to the NFL before this season, taking on the role of running backs coach for the Chicago Bears. Bieniemy managed a group of running backs that included D’Andre Swift, who gained over 1,000 yards, and showcased a promising rookie, Kyle Monangai, who accumulated 783 rushing yards and five scores as the Bears saw improved performance.
Overall, Chicago recorded the third-highest average rushing yards per game (144.5) during this season.
Bieniemy is now expected to apply insights gained from Ben Johnson’s approach and will be responsible for assisting a Chiefs offense that urgently requires fresh strategies.
Kansas City stood 25th in rushing, and for the third consecutive instance, Mahomes recorded an average of under 265 passing yards per game. The Chiefs are in need of enhancements at the wide receiver spot.
The return to health of their offensive line will be beneficial. Mahomes also needs to fully recover from a torn ACL.
However, reducing penalties and devising novel methods to surprise opposing defenses will also be crucial for Bieniemy as he aids Reid, aiming for Kansas City to rekindle its explosive offensive displays.
