Andy Reid says Joe Bleymaier and Andy Heck will assume Kansas City Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy’s duties while he tends to family
Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid spoke about the situation involving Eric Bieniemy’s family on Monday. Reid confirmed that a pair of offensive assistants would fill in for Bieniemy at training camp while he’s gone.
Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid spoke to media members following training camp practice on Monday. His opening remarks and his entire two-minute media availability were dedicated to the situation involving Eric Bieniemy, his wife Mia, and their family. He also explained how the team will manage with Coach Bieniemy now absent from training camp.
Coach Bieniemy learned late Sunday evening that his wife, Mia, had been shot in the Virginia home by his 27-year-old son, Elijah Bieniemy. Once the team learned of the incident, Bieniemy departed immediately to be with his wife and other son, Eric Bieniemy Jr.
“Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family,” Chiefs HC Andy Reid said on Monday. “Thoughts and prayers are with them. I can’t get into details on it, but things happen sometimes, and Eric will work through it. He’s got a great support group here, as does his family, as needed, and then we’ll just let time take care of it from there. Mia (Bieniemy) is stable, which is a plus, and so is Eric (Bieniemy) Jr. And that’s all important.”
Chiefs continue practicing at training camp without OC Eric Bieniemy
The team held the final practice of their three-day head start for rookies and QBs on Monday. Eric Bieniemy was not present for that practice session. Asked whether practice was difficult on Monday, Reid indicated that everyone loves Coach Bieniemy and was supportive.
“Yeah, well, I tell you, I mean, listen, we all love EB, and you hate seeing these kinds of things happen, but there’s always a blessing in there somewhere, and so I know things will work out.”
Asked about Mia Bieniemy, Coach Reid expressed gratitude that she was in stable condition.
“She’s a saint,” Reid said. “We all know that, the people that know her, one of God’s good blessings, right there. A really special person. So, but things happen. Things happen, and you just, you’ve got to work through it. And so that’s where we’re at right now. And time will have to be involved in this to help heal a little bit, but it’ll all work out in the long run.”
Chiefs pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier and run-game coordinator Andy Heck will assume co-offensive coordinator duties
The Chiefs officially kick off training camp on Wednesday, July 29. Veteran players will report to Missouri Western State on Tuesday before their first full team practice on Wednesday.
Coach Bieniemy has returned to Virginia indefinitely to be with his family, per Coach Reid.
“Yeah, there’s not on these things,” Reid said of a timeline for Bieniemy’s return. “Real life, so you take care of that, and that becomes important.”
While Bieniemy is away, two assistant coaches will be absorbing Bieniemy’s duties. Passing game coordinator Joe Bleymaier will handle the passing game, while OL coach and run game coordinator Andy Heck will be responsible for the running game.
“Joe Bleymaier is our pass game coordinator, and he’ll be involved there, obviously; coordinating, as (Andy) Heck is the run game coordinator. So, we’ll be able to keep it moving here. But the most important thing is that EB, when you know, has an opportunity to spend some time there and take care of that business.”