HENDERSON, Nev. – Eric Bieniemy left the Kansas City Chiefs as offensive coordinator a year ago, but still impacted their run to the Super Bowl this season.
Bieniemy visited the Chiefs before their AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. He attended meetings and spoke with several offensive players, including Patrick Mahomes.
“It's always great to have EB in the building, just being there and the energy he brings and the mentality he brings,” Mahomes said. “He loves being there. He loves being a part of the team and being a part of that culture. So having him back in the building was really cool, and hearing him talk and his energy… I think the guys got a little chills, like, 'Hey, we have EB back here.'
“Obviously he didn't get that opportunity as a head coach, but I'm excited for him to continue coaching football and continue to make an impact on the game.”
Bieniemy was the Chiefs' offensive coordinator for five seasons, helping them win two Super Bowl titles in three appearances. He left last year to take the same position with the Washington Commanders in hopes of making himself more attractive as a head coaching candidate.
In Washington, he called offensive plays and escaped the imposing shadow of Chiefs coach Andy Reid.
Bieniemy, however, is in Washington after just one season. Head coach Ron Rivera was fired by new Commanders owner Josh Harris on Jan. 8 before hiring Dan Quinn to replace him earlier this month.
“I think his future as a coach is fantastic,” Reid said of Bieniemy. “I'm obviously a big fan of his and I know the things he can do.”
Reid didn't seem optimistic about Bieniemy returning to the Chiefs in any capacity, saying, “I don't have a place right now.”
