The Kansas City Chiefs had to watch from the sidelines during the AFC Championship Game this weekend, checking out two teams in the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots that could become some of the biggest playoff rivals for head coach, Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, in the coming years.
And in the name of improving – especially on the offensive side of the ball – the Chiefs have made a change at offensive coordinator. Former OC, Matt Nagy, did not have his contract renewed and the team chose Eric Bieniemy to succeed him.
Bieniemy served as the OC in Kansas City from 2018 until 2022, winning Super Bowl LIV and LVII, before moving to the Washington Commanders to fully run their offense and call plays, back in 2023.
Andy Reid Shares Thoughts on Eric Bieniemy
Now back with the team after three years away, Andy Reid shared his thoughts on the reunion with his former offensive-minded protege.
“I think we all know the energy Eric brings and what he gives to a football team,” Reid said on Monday at KMBC. “He’s coming off a heck of a season with the Chicago Bears, my hat goes off to the Bears and the great job they did there.”
Bieniemy most recently served as the running back coach with the Chicago Bears, where he helped the team develop an excellent ground game between D’Andre Swift and rookie, Kyle Monangai.
Chicago ended the year third in the NFL in rushing yards per game, behind only the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens.
Reid Remaining Positive on Matt Nagy Despite Departure
Reid was supportive of Nagy getting another shot at head coaching, having spent four years with the Chicago Bears from 2018-2021, but the decision to not retain at the conclusion of his contract at the end of the season was a deliberate one. Regardless, the three-time Super Bowl-winning head coach was clear to not put down Nagy in order to praise Bieniemy.
“I thought Matt brought great energy, too, with his. It’s just, it’s different,” Reid continued.
“They both have their own personalities that they share with it. EB does, he’s going to be very direct with the players, very direct with the coaches. It’s a different flavor. Both have been very productive in this system here. So, I think it’s a win-win for us that way. But there’s nobody like EB on the field that way. … He does a great job there.”
And the 67-year old also made it crystal clear exactly what qualities “EB” brings back to the KC offense upon his return.
“I think he’s got a great knowledge of the offense,” Reid stated. “I think he understands leadership. I’ve always said he’s a great leader of men — whether it’s coaches, players, I think he does a good job there.”
The Chiefs’ offense ranked #1 in total offense in four out of the five years Bieniemy served as OC in his previous tenure with KC, with the one “down” year being at #4 back in 2019. Since his departure in 2022, the team has ranked #8, #19 and #20 from 2023-2025.
Andy Reid Addresses Reunion With Former Offensive Coordinator