The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back a familiar face to run their offense - and it’s a move that could signal a new chapter in the Patrick Mahomes era. Eric Bieniemy, the longtime Andy Reid lieutenant and former Chiefs offensive coordinator, is officially returning to Kansas City to reclaim the OC role, according to reports.
Bieniemy steps in to replace Matt Nagy, whose contract expired at the end of the season. While Nagy is reportedly drawing interest for head coaching opportunities elsewhere, the Chiefs were already expected to make changes on offense after a rare miss of the postseason. And bringing back Bieniemy - a key architect of some of the most explosive offenses in recent memory - feels like both a reset and a reunion.
Let’s not forget what Bieniemy meant to this franchise. He was the offensive coordinator during Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIV run and helped guide Mahomes through the early stages of his MVP-caliber career.
From 2018 to 2022, the Chiefs’ offense was a juggernaut under Bieniemy’s watch, regularly ranking near the top of the league in scoring, yards, and explosive plays. His partnership with Reid and Mahomes helped shape an offensive identity that blended creativity, tempo, and relentless pressure on opposing defenses.
Bieniemy, now 56, brings with him a deep well of experience both as a player and coach. A former NFL running back who played 10 seasons for the Chargers, Bengals, and Eagles, he transitioned into coaching in 2006 with the Vikings as a running backs coach. He joined the Chiefs in 2013 in that same role and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018 - a pivotal moment that coincided with Mahomes taking the reins as the starting quarterback.
After his initial Kansas City stint, Bieniemy signed an extension in 2021 but eventually left to take on the offensive coordinator job with the Washington Commanders. That move was seen as a chance for him to establish himself outside of Reid’s shadow, but after parting ways with Washington following the 2023 season, Bieniemy took a brief detour into the college ranks, joining UCLA as associate head coach and offensive coordinator. In early 2025, he returned to the NFL as the Bears’ running backs coach.
Now, he’s back in Kansas City - and the timing couldn’t be more intriguing. The Chiefs are coming off a season that fell short of expectations, and the offense, at times, lacked its usual rhythm and explosiveness.
Bieniemy’s return offers a chance to recapture that spark. He knows the system, knows the personnel, and most importantly, knows how to get the best out of Mahomes.
This reunion isn’t just about nostalgia - it’s about recalibrating an offense that once felt unstoppable. If Bieniemy can help the Chiefs rediscover their swagger, Kansas City could be right back in the thick of the Super Bowl conversation next season.