Andy Reid explains how bringing offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy back could help even the players of Patrick Mahomes’ status
The Chiefs need that from Eric Bieniemy.
The Kansas City Chiefs made a quick decision to hire Eric Bieniemy back as the offensive coordinator. Once the Chicago Bears lost in the playoffs, Bieniemy, as the RB coach, was the target.
Much of the talk about the Chiefs’ OC situation has focused on fans wanting something new. People wanted new ideas, new schematics within Andy Reid’s scheme, and a new voice talking to Reid. They didn’t get that in the slightest; instead, someone who worked with Reid from 2013 to 2022 at KC. He won two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, then tried his hand at calling his own plays. It didn’t quite work out, but he brings something back to the Chiefs that’s been missing: accountability, even from guys like Patrick Mahomes.
“I mean, he brings it,” Reid told reporters. “Patrick knows him, first of all. And then I will tell you, EB will be very direct with him, like he does with everybody. And everybody he knows. It’s coming from a place of knowledge there. And Patrick, you guys could take this whole thing a couple of different ways. So I want to make sure we’re saying this right. Patrick loved Nags. And he also loves EB. This isn’t an either-or deal. It’s one guy having to replace another guy, but that’s not what this is about. But I want to make sure Nags gets his shout-out here too, and that EB gets his for coming in here.”
Patrick Mahomes wanted what Bieniemy is bringing
When Mahomes did his end-of-season press conference, not long after having his surgery, he was asked about what he looks for in an offensive coordinator. One of the things that Mahomes wanted most was a coach who could hold not just everyone accountable, but himself as well. He believes in everyone being coached and treated the same, not different, just because you’re a star player.
“I think Pat probably said it best, right? We’ve always had accountability here, with or without Eric (Bieniemy),” Reid said. “You’re responsible for certain things, and so whoever is coming in better be feeling that. And there’s a certain standard that you’re going to hold each other to, and I’m sure that’s what Patrick was, without quizzing him here, I would tell you that that’s probably what he was saying.”
Keeping Mahomes accountable and at the top of his game is what the Chiefs need. That’s not to say that Mahomes isn’t accountable, or anything like that. However, you need a coach who’s not intimidated by the best player in the league, and one of the greatest players of all time. This hire is only something that’s going to make Mahomes and the Chiefs better in that case.
Kansas City Chiefs News
Andy Reid says Eric Bieniemy brings ‘different’ energy to the Kansas City Chiefs as offensive coordinator
Eric Bieniemy is back and Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid is fired up about it.
