The Kansas City Chiefs are pursuing a reunion with Eric Bieniemy as they search for a new offensive coordinator ahead of the 2026 NFL season. This move comes after the departure of Matt Nagy, whose contract expired earlier this month following a disappointing campaign. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently articulated the attributes he desires in a new coordinator, emphasizing the need for accountability and innovative strategies.
Mahomes expressed gratitude towards Nagy for his contributions to his development as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. He stated, “For me, I just want someone that loves football, that cares about football, that wants to give everything they can to win.” His comments underscore the importance of maintaining a winning culture within the team, which he believes requires continual evolution and fresh ideas.
Bieniemy, who previously served as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2022, was instrumental in the team’s offensive success during that period. Under his leadership, the Chiefs consistently ranked among the top six teams in points per game. Following his tenure in Kansas City, Bieniemy spent a season with the Chicago Bears, where he significantly improved their running attack, contributing to the team’s emergence as the second-best rushing offense in the league.
The Chiefs formally requested permission to interview Bieniemy on Monday, marking a potential return for a coach who has garnered respect from both players and analysts. Reid’s history with Bieniemy could foster a collaborative environment that revitalizes the Chiefs’ offensive strategy, which faced challenges in the latter part of the last season.
In recent months, the Chiefs struggled against teams that effectively countered their offensive schemes. Mahomes faced increasing pressure from defenses that applied more defensive backs while managing to exert pressure without blitzing. This tactic led to a noticeable decline in Mahomes’ performance; he completed just 41% of his passes when under duress, marking the lowest rate of his career.
Reflecting on the season, Mahomes acknowledged the importance of adaptability, stating, “We have to find ways to counteract that and kind of go at teams and be able to utilize that.” He emphasized a need to enhance the entire offensive framework to produce more explosive plays.
Bieniemy’s recent success with the Bears included nurturing standout performances from running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. Swift recorded a career-high 1,087 rushing yards and ten total touchdowns, while Monangai amassed 947 all-purpose yards in his rookie season. Their achievements underline Bieniemy’s capability to elevate player performance and adapt offensive strategies effectively.
The Chiefs’ running game, however, has been a point of concern. In the last season, the productivity from running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt ranked among the league’s worst, with a notable absence of explosive gains. Reid acknowledged the need for improvement in the run game, stating, “We’ve got to run the ball more efficiently, especially on first or second down.”
Throughout his career, Bieniemy has been recognized for his demanding coaching style that emphasizes discipline and accountability. His potential return to the Chiefs could reinvigorate a team that struggled with focus and execution in critical moments last season, finishing with a disappointing 1-9 record in one-score games.
Former Chiefs players and analysts have praised Bieniemy’s coaching philosophy. Mitchell Schwartz, a former right tackle for the Chiefs, commended Bieniemy’s work ethic and his ability to hold players accountable. Schwartz noted that Bieniemy’s knowledge of the Bears’ recent offensive schemes could provide fresh insights for the Chiefs.
With the Chiefs preparing for the upcoming season, the potential re-hiring of Bieniemy represents a strategic move aimed at restoring the team’s offensive prowess. Should the Chiefs finalize this decision, it could pave the way for a more dynamic and effective offensive strategy as they seek to reclaim their status as a top contender in the NFL.
