The Kansas City Chiefs could be turning to a familiar name as they reshape Andy Reid’s coaching staff following a disappointing 2025 season.
On Monday, the Chiefs requested permission to interview Chicago Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy for their offensive coordinator vacancy, according to multiple reports. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote, “Source: The #Chiefs are requesting permission to interview Eric Bienemy for OC.”
The move comes as Kansas City faces major questions at the coordinator level after finishing 6-11 — the lone losing season of Reid’s 13-year run with the franchise. The Chiefs also finished 21st in scoring and 20th in total offense, setting the stage for offseason staff changes.
Chiefs Coaching Changes Begin After 6-11 Season
Kansas City’s potential offensive coordinator change centers around Matt Nagy, whose contract expired at the end of the 2025 season. Nagy has interviewed with multiple teams for head coaching openings and was reportedly set to have a second interview with the Tennessee Titans on Monday. Recent reporting has also indicated Nagy is among the finalists for the Titans job.
With Nagy’s contract up and his name circulating around the league, Kansas City appears to be exploring options for Reid’s next offensive right-hand man — including the possible return of Bieniemy, who worked alongside Reid for nearly a decade.
Meanwhile, other changes have already started on both sides of the ball. The Chiefs fired wide receivers coach Connor Embree on January 8 after five seasons with the team. Todd Pinkston was also let go on January 15 after serving as the running backs coach.
Additional staff movement includes defensive quality control coach Louie Addazio departing to become UNLV’s offensive line coach, and assistant defensive line coach Alex Whittingham leaving to join his father on the University of Michigan staff.
Eric Bieniemy Could Return to Chiefs Sideline
Bieniemy, 56, previously served on Reid’s staff from 2013-22 and became the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator for the final five seasons of his tenure. During that stretch, Kansas City won two Super Bowl titles and frequently ranked among the NFL’s top offenses, leading the league in total offense three times and finishing first in scoring twice.
Despite those results, Bieniemy received limited head coaching traction around the league, and he moved on after the 2022 season. With Reid retaining play-calling duties, Bieniemy became the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. He lasted one season before being fired, then spent a year as UCLA’s offensive coordinator before returning to the NFL with the Bears.
If Bieniemy returns to Kansas City, it would mark a notable reunion — and one that could bring a different tone to the Chiefs offense as Reid looks to refresh the staff around Patrick Mahomes.
SI’s Matt Verderame argued that Bieniemy could be exactly what Kansas City needs after 2025 frustrations.
“I’ll be the dissenting voice since I know many in KC aren’t thrilled with this,” Verderame wrote. “The Chiefs need accountability. Mahomes talked about it repeatedly in his presser last week. Bieniemy brings that in spades.”
Verderame added that Bieniemy is respected inside the locker room, noting: “He’s also beloved by many of the players. When they had him speak to the team prior to the AFCCG in Baltimore, it was very inspiring.”
Patrick Mahomes Previously Defended Bieniemy’s Coaching Style
Mahomes has publicly defended Bieniemy’s approach in the past, particularly after Washington head coach Ron Rivera questioned the assistant’s coaching style in 2023.
“[Eric Bieniemy] is going to be harsh on you, he is going to really try to get the best out of you every single day,” Mahomes said at the time, via Chiefs Wire. “He is going to hold you accountable whenever you don’t want to hold yourself accountable. It made me a better player.”
The Chiefs also face ongoing uncertainty with the rest of the staff. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has drawn head coaching interest again, with the Titans scheduled to interview him and reported interest from the New York Giants. Spagnuolo has not been a head coach since he was fired following the 2011 season with the St. Louis Rams.
Chiefs Coaching Shakeup Continues as a Familiar Super Bowl OC Gets Look