Eric Bieniemy Talked to KC Chiefs Prior to AFC Championship Game
This week, it was revealed that the Kansas City Chiefs got a bit of a boost ahead of their AFC Championship Game win over the Baltimore Ravens. It came from an unexpected source: former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
Bieniemy, who is done with his debut campaign with the Washington Commanders, had his year come to a close when the regular season ended. With a clearer schedule at his disposal and the Chiefs playing at M&T Bank Stadium in Maryland, the 54-year-old spent some time with his old team.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday before Super Bowl LVIII, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Bieniemy talked to Kansas City during Ravens week.
"I did, he actually came in and talked to our team before our last game," Reid said. "He talked to the offensive guys and hung out with us in our meetings. I have had a chance to talk to him. He's still up for a couple [of] jobs."
Under new head coach Dan Quinn, Washington isn't expected to retain Bieniemy on its offensive coaching staff. That means the longtime coordinator and running backs coach will be tasked with finding a new job for the upcoming 2024-25 NFL season. Bieniemy, who's interviewed for seemingly countless head coaching jobs in the last half-decade, interviewed in January for the position Quinn ultimately filled.
Despite that, Kansas City is clearly grateful for having some time with Bieniemy again. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes praised him for his energy and passion, indicating that Bieniemy speaking to the players got everyone excited for the conference title game.
"It's always great to have EB in the building," Mahomes said. "Just being there, the energy he brings and the mentality he brings, you can feel it. He has that intensity, but he loves it. He loves being there, he loves being a part of the team and being a part of that culture. Just having him back in the building was really cool. Listening to him talk and his energy, you could ask guys, I think guys had a little bit of chill-bumps like, 'EB's back here.' Obviously, he didn't get that head coaching opportunity, but I'm excited for him to continue to coach football and continue to make his impact on the game."
Many have speculated that a Chiefs reunion makes sense here, although Reid's staff is still concrete and it's unclear what changes the offseason will bring. The organization is well documented as a supporter of Bieniemy, dating all the way back to his initial hire back in 2013. His 10 years with the franchise, split between running backs coach and offensive coordinator, allowed him to grow into the coach he is today.
Reid doubled down on his belief in Bieniemy on Wednesday, although he wouldn't commit to being open to bringing him back onboard. Nonetheless, he's confident that his friend and former colleague will land on his feet and find something great soon.
"I can't answer the last part because I have no spots right now," Reid said. "But I would tell you I think his coaching future is great. I'm obviously a big fan of his, and I know the things he can do."
