Andy Reid Embraces Collaborative Play-Calling as Eric Bieniemy Returns to Chiefs’ Sideline
LAWRENCE, Kan. -
Andy Reid isn’t changing his playbook philosophy anytime soon - not the one on the field, and certainly not the one in the meeting room.
With Eric Bieniemy back in the fold as offensive coordinator, Reid made it clear on Monday that the Chiefs’ approach to play-calling will remain what it’s been throughout his Kansas City tenure: collaborative, flexible, and rooted in trust.
“I still enjoy calling plays,” Reid said during a Zoom press conference. “But I’m not afraid to delegate and get opinions from people - and even in certain situations, letting them go ahead and call things in different areas.”
That’s classic Reid - a coach who’s never been shy about sharing the load, especially when it comes to empowering his staff. It’s a system that’s helped the Chiefs build one of the most consistently dangerous offenses in football over the past several years. While the final call often rests with Reid, the process behind the scenes is anything but a one-man show.
“I want guys to contribute,” Reid said. “I want them to work hard and be experts in their area - and then cumulatively in all areas.”
That mindset is especially important with Bieniemy returning to a familiar role. After a stint away from Kansas City, he’s back in a system he knows inside and out - and Reid is confident that Bieniemy’s style fits seamlessly into the collaborative structure the Chiefs have built.
“EB’s going to be very direct with the players, very direct with the coaches,” Reid said. “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.”
Bieniemy’s return comes at a pivotal time. The Chiefs, by their own high standards, didn’t hit the mark this past season. And Reid isn’t sugarcoating it.
“We didn’t do very well this past year - and that hasn’t been our M.O.,” Reid said. “I’m going to fix the problem - the problems that we had in all phases.
This isn’t just offense. All phases.”
That kind of honesty is part of what’s made Reid one of the most respected figures in the league. He’s not just focused on X’s and O’s - he’s focused on accountability, development, and culture. And Bieniemy, in Reid’s eyes, checks all those boxes.
“What are some of his strengths?” Reid said.
“He’s got a great knowledge of the offense. I think he understands leadership.
I’ve always said he is a great leader of men - whether it’s coaches or players, he does a heck of a job there.”
So while the Chiefs may be retooling after a season that didn’t go according to plan, their foundation remains strong. Reid’s still steering the ship, but he’s doing it with trusted voices around him - and Bieniemy’s voice is once again part of the chorus.
In Kansas City, play-calling isn’t just about who has the headset. It’s about who’s in the room, who’s in sync, and who’s ready to elevate the game. With Reid and Bieniemy back together, the Chiefs are betting that their collaborative formula still has plenty of winning plays left to draw up.