The Kansas City Chiefs face an offseason that feels unfamiliar to their loyal fans. For nearly a decade, the team dominated with a powerful offense. The 2025 season changed that narrative completely. Injuries piled up. Inconsistency plagued the team. The Chiefs finished with a rare losing record, their first in over ten years.
A Season of Struggle Forces Reflection
This difficult year has pushed the entire organization into deep self-reflection. The focus now shifts to a single, urgent question. How quickly can Kansas City reclaim its competitive edge? The answer might lie in a familiar face from a more successful past.
Familiar Path Emerges as Top Option
Across the NFL, many observers note the Chiefs' likely direction. Instead of chasing a brand-new offensive philosophy, the team is seriously considering a return to what once worked perfectly. This potential move is not driven by simple nostalgia. It is a strategic decision built on trust, comfort, and a core belief. The fastest route back to the top may involve a coach who already knows the championship blueprint.
Chiefs Signal Strong Interest in Eric Bieniemy
Multiple sources within the NFL confirm the Chiefs' intentions. The team has signaled it plans to interview, and potentially hire, Eric Bieniemy for the offensive coordinator role. Bieniemy currently serves as the running backs coach for the Chicago Bears. However, his strongest professional connection remains firmly in Kansas City.
From 2018 through 2022, Bieniemy helped oversee one of the league's most feared offenses. During that remarkable five-year stretch, the Chiefs averaged more than 30 points per game. They also captured two Super Bowl championships. Those successful seasons cemented Bieniemy's reputation as a top offensive mind. He became a regular candidate for head coaching positions across the league.
Timing and Team Dynamics Favor a Reunion
The timing of Kansas City's interest is highly significant. Matt Nagy's contract expired following the disappointing season. Nagy is widely expected to be a finalist for the head coaching job with the Tennessee Titans. With that uncertainty hanging over the coordinator position, the Chiefs appear drawn to a known quantity.
This familiarity is especially crucial for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes thrived and won MVP awards during Bieniemy's earlier tenure with the team. Re-establishing that successful partnership is a clear priority for the front office.
Players and Insiders Voice Support for the Move
Key players have never hesitated to express their admiration for Bieniemy. Back in 2022, star tight end Travis Kelce spoke openly about the coach's impact. "I've been a big fan of him my entire career," Kelce said. "He's done unbelievable things for my skillset personally and my mentality in terms of helping me grow as a player. More than deserving [of an NFL head coaching job]."
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Chiefs have already requested formal permission to interview Bieniemy. The team is expected to move quickly now that the Chicago Bears' season has concluded.
Bieniemy's Journey Since Leaving Kansas City
Eric Bieniemy left the Chiefs in 2023 to accept a position with full playcalling duties for the Washington Commanders. That stint ended after a single 4-13 season and a subsequent coaching overhaul. He then spent a year at UCLA before joining the Chicago Bears staff in 2025. In Chicago, he helped shape a notably strong rushing attack.
Former Chiefs right tackle Mitchell Schwartz believes Bieniemy's varied experience is valuable. "Getting EB back is the best outcome given that the HC is the OC and has offensive control," Schwartz wrote on social media platform X. "EB brings the same traits that made him successful before: works his ass off and holds people accountable."
The Kansas City Chiefs stand at a crossroads. After a season that broke their winning tradition, they are looking backward to move forward. Bringing back Eric Bieniemy represents a calculated gamble on proven chemistry and past success to solve their major offseason questions.
