Travis Kelce Sounds Off on Eric Bieniemy’s Return - and Drops a Big Hint About His NFL Future
Travis Kelce has never been one to shy away from the spotlight - whether it’s on the field, on his podcast, or, more recently, in the headlines for things well outside the gridiron. But this week, amid a swirl of off-field distractions, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end made one thing crystal clear: he’s fired up about the return of a familiar face to the Chiefs’ sideline - and he’s not done playing football just yet.
The Chiefs are reportedly bringing back Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator, a move that marks a reunion years in the making. Bieniemy held the same position in Kansas City for five seasons before departing in 2023. He was a key part of the Chiefs’ offensive brain trust during their rise to dominance, and now, after stints in Washington, UCLA, and most recently as the Bears’ running backs coach, he’s expected to rejoin Andy Reid’s staff.
For Kelce, the news hits close to home. Bieniemy was there for the first decade of Kelce’s NFL career - a stretch that included personal milestones, record-breaking seasons, and, of course, Super Bowl titles. On the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Kelce didn’t hold back his excitement.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man,” Kelce said. “He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time.
I’ve had so many unbelievable, growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy. It’s gonna be awesome to see him back wearing the Chiefs logo, baby.”
That’s not just nostalgia talking. For Kelce, Bieniemy’s return feels like a reset button for a Chiefs team that’s coming off a rare down year.
Kansas City missed the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2014 - a jarring result for a franchise that’s been the NFL’s gold standard for much of the last decade. With Bieniemy back in the fold, there’s a sense that the Chiefs are looking to recapture the identity that made them so dangerous.
And Kelce? He sounds like a man ready to be part of it.
Earlier this month, the All-Pro tight end joked with his brother Jason on their podcast about being “jobless,” noting that the show was his only current employer. But behind the humor, there’s a decision looming - and his tone this week suggests that decision might already be made.
“I think it’s a marriage that’s gonna pick up right where it left off,” Kelce said of Bieniemy’s return. “E.B., he and who he is as a coach - you can see kind of his personality, what he brings to the table in that Chicago team.
I know Ben Johnson has his own version of that. He’s a very tough guy.
And what he did in Detroit, he brought over as well.”
That’s a veteran player talking with intent. Kelce’s admiration for Bieniemy goes beyond scheme or play-calling - it’s about trust, development, and shared experience. And when you’ve built that kind of chemistry with a coach, especially one returning to a team looking to reestablish its dominance, it’s hard to walk away.
So while there’s been no official announcement, Kelce’s comments are doing the talking. After all, you don’t gush about a coach “being back in the building” if you don’t plan on being in that building yourself.
As Kansas City looks to rebound from a disappointing season, the pieces are starting to fall into place. Bieniemy’s return signals a return to the roots of what made the Chiefs so lethal. And if Travis Kelce is still part of that equation - which all signs suggest he will be - then the rest of the AFC better take notice.
Because when Kelce’s locked in and Bieniemy’s calling the shots, Kansas City’s offense has a way of reminding everyone why it’s been the most feared unit in football.