Eric Bieniemy’s Return to Kansas City Could Be the Spark the Chiefs’ Offense Needs - Just Not in the Way You Think
Eric Bieniemy is back in Kansas City, and let’s just say, reactions have been... mixed. Some fans are thrilled, pointing to the Chiefs’ high-powered offensive success during his previous run as offensive coordinator. Others are more skeptical, wondering if bringing back a familiar face is the right move for a passing game that’s looked increasingly stale over the past two seasons.
But here’s the thing: this isn’t about reinventing the Chiefs’ passing game overnight. It’s still Andy Reid’s offense - always has been, always will be.
Reid’s fingerprints are all over the playbook, and when it comes to calling plays, he’s the one holding the pen. That said, it’s fair to acknowledge the offense hasn’t looked quite the same lately.
The passing game has lost some of its bite, and the Chiefs need more than just better execution or a splashy new receiver to fix it.
That’s where Bieniemy comes in - not necessarily as a passing-game savant, but as a tone-setter. A culture guy. And maybe most importantly, as someone who can help fix the part of the offense that’s been quietly holding the passing game back: the run game.
The Run Game Is the Key - and Bieniemy Knows It
Let’s be honest. The Chiefs’ run game has been an afterthought the past couple of seasons - and defenses have noticed.
Opponents haven’t had to respect it, which has allowed them to throw everything they’ve got at Patrick Mahomes. And while Mahomes is still Mahomes, even he can’t consistently beat defenses that are completely geared toward stopping the pass.
That’s where Bieniemy can make a real difference. He doesn’t need to come in with a brand-new playbook.
He doesn’t need to be the next Sean McVay. What he brings is a physical, no-nonsense approach - the kind of mentality that can transform the Chiefs’ offense from finesse to forceful when it needs to be.
To fix the run game, three things need to happen. First, the Chiefs need a legitimate upgrade at running back.
That’s on GM Brett Veach and the front office - whether it’s through the draft or free agency, they need to find a back who can be a difference-maker. Someone who can punish defenses and force them to think twice before dropping seven into coverage every down.
But a new running back alone won’t cut it. The Chiefs also need a shift in mindset - a more physical, downhill approach.
That’s where Bieniemy comes in. He brings an edge.
He demands toughness. And he’ll expect the offensive line to play with the kind of attitude that moves the line of scrimmage, not just holds it.
The Chiefs’ interior trio of Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, and Kingsley Suamataia already has the tools. Now they need the mentality. Bieniemy can help instill that - and that could be the difference between a run game that gets by and one that actually scares defenses.
Bieniemy Won’t Be a Yes-Man - and That Matters
One of the underrated aspects of Bieniemy’s return? He’s not afraid to push back.
While Matt Nagy seemed to go along with Reid’s pass-heavy tendencies, Bieniemy has a history of speaking up - even when it means challenging the head coach. And that’s exactly what this offense needs.
Reid is an offensive mastermind, no doubt. But he’s also been known to fall in love with the pass, even when the situation screams for balance.
Bieniemy can be the voice in the room saying, “We need to run the ball here.” He won’t win every argument, but even getting Reid to lean into the run game a little more could make a huge difference.
And if the front office does their part and brings in a legitimate RB1, it’ll be even harder for Reid to ignore the ground game. Combine that with Bieniemy’s voice in the room, and suddenly the Chiefs might have the kind of balanced attack that makes life easier for Mahomes - not harder.
This Isn’t About Taking the Ball Out of Mahomes’ Hands
Now, some fans might be worried that focusing on the run game means fewer opportunities for Mahomes to do what he does best. But let’s be clear: this isn’t about turning the Chiefs into a run-first team. It’s about making the run game good enough that defenses can’t ignore it.
When the run game is respected, everything else opens up. Defenders hesitate.
Safeties creep up. Linebackers pause for just a split second - and that’s all Mahomes needs.
Those easy completions that used to come in bunches? They start showing up again.
The deep shots that have been harder to come by? Suddenly, they’re back on the table.
And let’s not forget about play action. It’s been a non-factor lately, mostly because no one believed the Chiefs were going to run the ball anyway. But with a legitimate ground game, play action becomes a real weapon again - and with Mahomes under center, that’s a scary thought for any defense.
A Familiar Face, A New Opportunity
No, Andy Reid isn’t handing over the keys to the offense. But that doesn’t mean things have to stay the same.
Eric Bieniemy’s return isn’t about overhauling the passing game - it’s about fixing the foundation underneath it. And if he can help rebuild a run game that forces defenses to play honest, the ripple effect could be massive.
Mahomes doesn’t need more magic. He needs a little more help - and a little more balance. Bieniemy might not be the flashiest hire, but he just might be the one who helps bring that balance back to Kansas City.