The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing an old friend back to their coaching staff.
The Chiefs are hiring Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, returning the NFL coach to the position he held from 2018 to 2022 — quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ first five years as a starter.
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Bieniemy, 56, has spent the past three seasons playing for other teams while away from the Chiefs. In 2023, he served as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders. In 2024, Bieniemy serves as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator of the UCLA Bruins. Most recently, Bieniemy served as the running backs coach for the 2025 Chicago Bears.
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In the three years since Bieniemy left Kansas City, the Chiefs’ offensive output has steadily declined. 2022 is Bieniemy’s final year as offensive coordinator for the Chiefs, who lead the NFL in yards per game (413.6 per game) and scoring (29.2 points per game). In 2025, Kansas City ranks 20th in yards allowed (320.6) and 21st in points allowed (21.3).
Chicago veteran DeAndre Swift set career highs in yards (1,087) and touchdowns (9) during Bieniemy’s one-year tenure as the Bears’ running backs coach. Seventh-round pick Kyle Monange also played a major role in the Bears’ offense after a breakout rookie season.
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The Bears finished the regular season averaging 144.5 yards per game, ranking third in the NFL. Their rushing success rate of 46.2% also ranked third.
Bieniemy will replace former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, whose contract expires after the 2025 season and is one of several head coaching candidates in this year’s recruiting cycle.
The Chiefs won two Super Bowls during Bieniemy’s last tenure as offensive coordinator and are looking to return to playoff contention after missing the 2025 postseason.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chiefs hire Eric Bieniemy, reunite OC with Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes