Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid publicly addressed offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s family tragedy for the first time after Bieniemy left training camp following the shooting of his wife, Mia Bieniemy.
Speaking with reporters on Monday, July 27, Reid offered his support for the veteran coach while sharing a positive update on Mia’s condition.
“Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy,” Reid said, via ESPN’s Nate Taylor. “Mia is stable, which is a plus. We all love EB, and you hate seeing those things happen. Real life. You take care of that. She’s a saint, one of God’s good blessings. But things happen.”
Andy Reid Announces Chiefs’ Coaching Plan During Eric Bieniemy’s Absence
With Bieniemy away from the team indefinitely, Reid announced that pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier will assume offensive coordinator responsibilities until Bieniemy returns.
Reid said there is currently no timeline for when Bieniemy will be back with the organization.
The coaching change comes after Bieniemy left the Chiefs to support his wife following the shooting.
Taylor also reported on X, “Eric Bieniemy has left the Chiefs to support Mia, his wife, & was not in attendance at today’s training camp practice.”
Before Monday’s workout, The Kansas City Star’s Pete Sweeney also reported that Bleymaier had already assumed Bieniemy’s on-field responsibilities.
“Pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier has taken over Eric Bieniemy’s on-field duties here in St. Joe Monday. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will address the media after practice,” Sweeney wrote on X.
Eric Bieniemy Left Training Camp After Wife Was Shot
Mia Bieniemy, 57, was shot Sunday night at the family’s home in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Taylor reported that Mia was hospitalized after suffering gunshot wounds to the chest and arm but is in stable condition.
“Eric Bieniemy’s wife, Mia, was shot by Elijah Bieniemy, the couple’s son Sunday night at the family’s home in Virginia, sources told ESPN,” Taylor wrote. “Mia, who is hospitalized & in stable condition, was shot in the chest & arm, sources told ESPN.”
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office confirmed deputies responded to the residence at approximately 7:32 p.m. ET Sunday.
Authorities said an adult woman suffered multiple gunshot wounds and serious injuries but did not publicly identify the victim.
According to the sheriff’s office, Elijah Zion Bieniemy was arrested and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling.
Officials said he was transported to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center, where he is being held without bond. The investigation remains ongoing.
The Chiefs told ESPN the organization was “aware of the incident involving Eric Bieniemy’s family,” but declined additional comment.
Andy Reid Previously Celebrated Eric Bieniemy’s Return
The tragedy comes only months after Bieniemy returned to Kansas City for a second stint as offensive coordinator.
After serving in the role from 2018 through 2022, Bieniemy spent the 2023 season as offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders before becoming UCLA’s offensive coordinator in 2024 and the Chicago Bears‘ running backs coach in 2025.
When the Chiefs hired Bieniemy to replace Matt Nagy following the 2025 season, Reid made it clear he was excited to reunite with his longtime assistant.
“Yeah, I’m fired up to have him back,” Reid said during the NFL’s annual league meeting in Phoenix. “When you lose a Matt Nagy, to bring a guy in who can just step in and go—that’s not an easy thing to do. So, I’m fired up to have him back.”
Reid continued, “He brings great energy. Loves doing what he’s doing. All he wants to do is win football games and have a great offense. Ultimate team guy.”
Chiefs’ Andy Reid Breaks Silence With an Update on Eric Bieniemy After Family Shooting