Breaking Down the Latest NFL Moves: Chiefs’ Coaching Shuffle, Roster Questions, and League-Wide Developments
As the NFL offseason picks up steam, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves at a crossroads - not just chasing another Super Bowl, but also reshaping their coaching staff and roster for what’s next. From Eric Bieniemy’s return to the sidelines in a familiar role, to looming decisions on key players like Trent McDuffie and Mike Danna, there’s no shortage of intrigue in Kansas City. Let’s dive into the latest developments, what they mean for the Chiefs, and how they fit into the broader league landscape.
Eric Bieniemy Returns to Kansas City - But This Isn’t 2019
The Chiefs are bringing back a familiar face in Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator, and while the reunion with Patrick Mahomes brings a sense of continuity, this isn’t a simple case of plugging in the old formula and expecting the same magic. Bieniemy knows Mahomes.
He knows the system. But the personnel?
That’s a different story.
Travis Kelce will be 37 next season. Mahomes turns 31.
And the days of Tyreek Hill stretching defenses to their breaking point are long gone. That means Bieniemy won’t just be calling plays - he’ll be recalibrating the offense to fit what Kansas City is now, not what it used to be.
His tough-love coaching style may not be for everyone, but if he can help Mahomes tap back into MVP-level form, that’s the win the Chiefs are banking on.
Grade: B-
It’s a smart move rooted in familiarity, but the success of this hire hinges on how well Bieniemy adapts to a changing offensive core.
Running Back Coach Watch: McCullough’s Future Tied to Kubiak?
One subplot to watch: the fate of running backs coach Deland McCullough. He’s widely respected across the league, and his future could hinge on who wins the Klint Kubiak sweepstakes. If the Raiders land Kubiak and offer him full control of his staff, they may want to retain McCullough - a move that could pull him out of Kansas City.
The wrinkle here is timing. Kubiak can’t be officially hired until after the Super Bowl, which means any team waiting on him is also delaying staff decisions. That could lead to some tough calls for both the Raiders and Cardinals, who may prefer to keep their current assistants from taking interviews elsewhere until their head coach is in place.
Ashton Gillotte’s Emergence Could Force Chiefs to Make a Bold Move
On the defensive side, rookie Ashton Gillotte has quickly made a name for himself - and may end up reshaping the Chiefs’ plans at defensive end. With George Karlaftis locked in as the top edge rusher, Gillotte has emerged as the second-best option under contract for next season. That’s both a testament to his impact and a sign of concern.
Kansas City can’t head into 2026 with Gillotte as their No. 2 edge rusher, especially on passing downs. He’s shown promise as a run-stopper and early-down presence, but the Chiefs need more juice off the edge - someone who can consistently collapse the pocket opposite Karlaftis.
That brings us to Mike Danna. The veteran has been solid, but Gillotte outperformed him as a rookie - both in pressure rate and against the run.
With nearly $9 million in cap savings on the line, the Chiefs could make the tough call to move on from Danna this offseason. It’s a classic case of youth, upside, and economics forcing a veteran out.
Trent McDuffie Trade Buzz: Could Washington Be a Fit?
Trent McDuffie has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ secondary, but his future in Kansas City is suddenly in question. The 25-year-old is reportedly looking to reset the cornerback market, and with the Chiefs already carrying significant long-term cap commitments, a mega-deal may not be in the cards.
Enter the Washington Commanders. Dan Quinn is stepping into a rebuild on defense, and McDuffie could be the kind of foundational piece they need in the secondary.
Washington’s defense gave up points in bunches last season, and their cornerback room is aging and inconsistent. McDuffie, still in his prime, offers a long-term solution with the kind of versatility Quinn values.
From the Chiefs’ perspective, this would be a tough loss. McDuffie missed four games this season but still managed 63 tackles and an interception.
He did his part even as the defense faltered late. But if Kansas City isn’t willing to hand out a top-of-the-market deal, a trade could be the cleanest path forward.
Around the League: Allen’s Recovery, Cousins’ Contract, and Coaching Changes
Josh Allen’s Foot Surgery
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen underwent surgery to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot - an injury he aggravated in Week 16 but played through.
While he’s currently in a walking boot and on crutches, Allen expects to be ready for OTAs and doesn’t anticipate the injury lingering into the season. He did, however, have to skip the Pro Bowl Games due to the procedure.
Joe Lombardi Out in Denver
Former Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi confirmed that Sean Payton decided to make changes on the coaching staff.
Lombardi, who has worked with Payton for over a decade, wasn’t shocked by the move, noting that Payton was “in one of those moods” where he felt a shake-up was necessary. The Broncos’ offense struggled with consistency this season, and this move signals Payton’s intent to reset things heading into Year 2.
Kirk Cousins’ Contract Restructure in Atlanta
The Falcons made a significant cap move by restructuring Kirk Cousins’ deal, converting his 2026 salary from $35 million to just $2.1 million and pushing the remaining $32.9 million into 2027.
That balloons his 2027 base salary to $67.9 million - a figure that all but guarantees he’ll be released before March 13. If Atlanta uses a post-June 1 designation, they’ll spread the $35 million dead cap hit over two seasons.
Cousins has said he wants to return for a 15th NFL season and would be open to staying in Atlanta, but with this restructure, it’s clear the Falcons are preparing to move on.
Chiefs’ Tackle Situation: Free Agency Offers Little Relief
The Chiefs’ offensive line has been a strength when healthy, but right tackle remains a question mark. Unfortunately, the free agent market isn’t offering much in the way of solutions. Veterans like Jack Conklin and Rob Havenstein bring injury concerns, and even younger options like Jonah Williams come with durability questions.
That means Kansas City may need to look toward the draft - but even that comes with complications. Using a top-10 pick on a right tackle like Utah’s Spencer Fano or Miami’s Francis Mauioga is an option, but the Chiefs have to weigh whether the potential upgrade is worth the investment. With an already strong offensive line, the law of diminishing returns may apply here.
Bottom Line:
The Chiefs are entering an offseason filled with pivotal decisions - from coaching hires and cap cuts to potential trades and draft strategy. Eric Bieniemy’s return is a nod to the past, but the roster around him is evolving. If Kansas City wants to stay ahead of the curve, they’ll need to make bold, forward-thinking moves - not just lean on what once worked.
The rest of the league isn’t standing still, either. Whether it’s Josh Allen’s recovery, Kirk Cousins’ uncertain future, or Dan Quinn’s defensive overhaul in Washington, the NFL machine keeps turning. And as always, the teams that adapt fastest will be the ones still playing deep into January next year.