After one of the most disappointing seasons in recent Chiefs history, Kansas City is making a significant move to right the ship. The team has agreed to terms with Eric Bieniemy to return as offensive coordinator for the 2026 season, reuniting him with head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Bieniemy’s return marks a homecoming to a system where he thrived. From 2018 to 2022, he served as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator and played a crucial role in helping Mahomes win his first two Super Bowl championships. After spending the 2025 season as the Chicago Bears’ running backs coach, Bieniemy is now set to reclaim the role vacated by Matt Nagy, whose contract expired following the disappointing 2025 campaign.
The significance of this hire cannot be overstated. The Chiefs finished just 6-11 this season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014—a stunning fall from grace for a team that had made nine consecutive AFC West title runs and captured a Super Bowl just last season. The offensive struggles were undeniable, with Kansas City ranking 20th in total offense and posting some of the most frustrating performances in franchise memory.
What makes Bieniemy’s return especially meaningful is the timing and what it signals about the organization’s faith in Mahomes’ recovery. The star quarterback suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 against the Chargers but has already begun rehabilitation and expressed optimism about being ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season. With Mahomes expected to be healthy and focused on recovery with a familiar face calling plays, the Chiefs organization is clearly banking on a resurgence.
There’s also intriguing speculation about Travis Kelce’s future. During a recent appearance on the New Heights podcast, the tight end expressed enthusiasm about Bieniemy’s return, suggesting that he’s planning to stick around for what could be a redemptive 14th season in Kansas City. Kelce had a disappointing 2025 by his standards but seems energized by the prospect of playing under Bieniemy once again.
The Chiefs’ 2026 schedule won’t be easy—they’ll face all four conference championship teams from 2025, a rare and challenging slate. But with Mahomes healthy, Kelce potentially back, and a proven play-caller returning to lead the offense, Chiefs Kingdom has legitimate reasons to believe in a quick turnaround.
The Reid-Mahomes era may have hit a bump in the road, but this move suggests the organization is committed to bouncing back immediately. Bieniemy’s return could be the catalyst that gets the Chiefs’ offense firing on all cylinders again.