Chiefs potentially hiring Eric Bieniemy back as the OC opens up a new possibility for 2026 that initially felt written in the sand
Eric Bieniemy could be what brings Travis Kelce back.
As the NFL hiring process continues, it seems increasingly likely the Kansas City Chiefs will bring back Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator. Although a decision hasn’t been made, this possibility would upset many fans who want an OC with fresh ideas outside Andy Reid’s coaching tree. Bieniemy does not represent that change.
However, he could make it more likely that Travis Kelce returns rather than retires, which is a pro worth considering. Why would this matter? EB means a great deal to Kelce.
Why the Chiefs’ bringing back OC Eric Bieniemy may help bring back Travis Kelce
“Man, EB (Eric Bieniemy), was a special coach here for a long, long time, man,” Kelce said during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night. “He’s like my uncle or father figure in the football world for me. Everyone knows how fired up he can get, and I definitely share that same passion for coming into work every day and playing this game.
“One of my favorite coaches of all time. The biggest thing that we can take away from him as a player and coach was his passion and desire to be ready for every single scenario out there on the field. His football awareness and understanding of the game were second to none, and I’m hoping for the best for him. But I think who he is as a person is always going to go with me in life.”
Kelce’s career truly accelerated when Bieniemy was OC in 2018, which also coincided with Patrick Mahomes becoming the quarterback and the Chiefs’ rise. Bieniemy had been on staff since 2013, first as running backs coach, so he’s been with Kelce from his rookie year through 2022.
They share a strong bond, and EB has greatly impacted Kelce over the years.
“I ask everyone, come on in and see who is standing up in front of our offense getting us ready for situational football,” Kelce said during a Super Bowl show in 2023. “Who is in front of us week in and week out at halftime, trying to make adjustments? Who is the guy rallying this group, with the emotion as a player and as a coach, to keep us firing as an offensive unit?
“That’s Eric Bieniemy. I’ve been a big fan of him my entire career. He’s done unbelievable things for my skillset personally and my mentality, and helped me grow as a player. I’m sick of hearing all these names I’ve never heard of come across the ticker and getting hired instead of Eric Bieniemy.
Kelce’s return would greatly help the Chiefs. Despite his age, he performed very well this past season and was in better shape than the year before. He still has plenty to offer on the field. The key is how his body feels after each game and tackle.
Other factors, like Kelce’s interests outside football and his family, also play a role. Football isn’t forever, but extending his career another year would save the Chiefs from finding another tight end and give Kelce the chance to break more records.
Bringing Bieniemy back would significantly boost the Chiefs’ chances of retaining Kelce, their all-time great tight end. Not only that, but maybe the offense as a whole improves as well. Since Matt Nagy became the Chiefs’ OC in 2023 after being fired by the Chicago Bears, the offense has declined each year. In 2022, the Chiefs averaged 29 points per game. In 2023, they averaged 21; in 2024, 22; and this past season, 21.
Before Nagy, KC averaged at least 28 points per game in each Mahomes-era season, including 35 once. Nagy is linked to recent offensive struggles despite personnel factors. Under Bieniemy, the offense was more effective.
Kansas City Chiefs News
Kansas City Chiefs’ young stud is sending a warning message to the rest of the NFL that should scare AFC teams for 2026
The Chiefs will be ready for a return.
