The Kansas City Chiefs are no strangers to change, but this offseason feels different - and potentially pivotal.
After a season that fell short of expectations, ending with the Chiefs missing the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, Kansas City is already reshuffling the deck. The first big move? Eric Bieniemy is back as offensive coordinator.
With Matt Nagy pursuing a head coaching opportunity, Bieniemy’s return marks a significant shift. And while both coaches have worked successfully within Andy Reid’s system, Reid himself acknowledged the contrast in their styles.
“It's different, they both have their own personalities that they share with it,” Reid said. “EB, he's going to be very direct with the players, very direct with the coaches, it's a different flavor.
Both have been very productive in this system here. I think it's a win-win for us that way.
But there's nobody like EB on the field that way, he does a great job there.”
That last line from Reid says a lot. Bieniemy brings a unique energy and voice that’s been missing from the sideline. His no-nonsense, high-accountability approach resonated with players during his previous stint in Kansas City, and it’s clear the organization is banking on that spark to reignite an offense that, at times last season, looked uncharacteristically out of sync.
Let’s be clear - the Chiefs weren’t bad offensively in 2025, but they weren’t the same juggernaut we’ve come to expect. The rhythm wasn’t quite there.
The explosive plays felt fewer and farther between. And while Mahomes is still Mahomes - capable of pulling off magic on any given snap - even the league’s most gifted quarterback needs a cohesive system around him.
That’s where Bieniemy comes in.
He’s not just familiar with the playbook - he helped build it. His return brings a sense of continuity, but also a needed edge.
He’s known for his demanding style, holding both players and fellow coaches to a high standard. And for a team that’s looking to reestablish its identity, that kind of leadership could be exactly what’s needed.
But Bieniemy’s return isn’t the only storyline to watch. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s future remains uncertain as he explores head coaching opportunities of his own. Spags has been a cornerstone of Kansas City’s defensive resurgence in recent years, and if he departs, that’s another major piece the Chiefs will have to replace.
Then there’s the player side of things. Travis Kelce, the heartbeat of the offense and Mahomes’ most trusted target, gave a subtle nod to Bieniemy’s return on the New Heights podcast, expressing excitement about having EB back in the building. That kind of endorsement from a veteran leader speaks volumes.
There’s no sugarcoating it - missing the postseason was a wake-up call. For a franchise that’s been the gold standard in the AFC, anything less than competing for a Super Bowl feels like a letdown.
The Chiefs know it. And judging by their early moves, they’re not wasting any time addressing it.
Bieniemy’s return is the first domino to fall. More changes could be on the horizon - whether on the coaching staff or the roster - but the message is clear: Kansas City is not standing still. They’re recalibrating, refocusing, and getting back to what made them great.
And with Eric Bieniemy back in the fold, the Chiefs’ offense might just find its swagger again.