Eric Bieniemy Emerges as Top Candidate for Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Job
KANSAS CITY, January 19, 2026 – The Kansas City Chiefs, seeking to reboot an offense that sputtered to a 6-11 finish last season, are reportedly zeroing in on a familiar face to lead the unit. Eric Bieniemy, the former Chiefs offensive coordinator and current Chicago Bears running backs coach, has emerged as the consensus top candidate to replace Matt Nagy, who is interviewing for multiple head coaching vacancies.
The Case for a Reunion
Following the worst season in over a decade, which included a torn ACL and LCL for franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes, head coach Andy Reid is in search of stability. Multiple reports, including from team-focused outlet Arrowhead Corner, indicate Bieniemy is the favored internal option. The logic is clear: Bieniemy spent a decade in Kansas City, serving as offensive coordinator from 2018-2022—a period that yielded two Super Bowl titles and some of the most prolific offensive numbers in NFL history. He is intimately familiar with Reid’s system and, crucially, has the trust of Mahomes.
Bieniemy has rebuilt his stock after a one-year stint as the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator in 2023. In 2025, he oversaw a Chicago Bears rushing attack that ranked third in the league, helping D’Andre Swift rush for 1,087 yards and guiding rookie Kyle Monangai.
The Dissenting Voice
Not everyone is convinced a return to the past is the right move. Kansas City radio host Carrington Harrison has warned that bringing back Bieniemy could be a mistake, arguing the Chiefs need a “new ideas guy” to spark innovation, not a familiar voice from a system where Reid has historically handled play-calling duties. The Chiefs’ offense ranked 21st in points and 20th in total yards in 2025, exposing clear schematic and execution issues that some believe require a fresh perspective.
What Patrick Mahomes Wants
The quarterback’s preference will carry significant weight. When asked recently what he seeks in a coordinator, Mahomes emphasized accountability and a love for the game. He has also publicly praised Bieniemy in the past, stating, “EB means the world to me. The way he holds me accountable, the way he makes me be great every single day, this man’s one of a kind.” This endorsement aligns perfectly with the veteran coach’s reputation.
By the Numbers: Chiefs Offense Under Bieniemy
| Statistic (2018-2022) | League Rank |
|---|---|
| Points Per Game (30.3) | 1st |
| Yards Per Game (404.2) | 1st |
| Yards Per Play (6.31) | 1st |
| Third-Down Conversion % (49.1) | 1st |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would Matt Nagy leave?
Nagy, who returned to Kansas City as offensive coordinator in 2023, is a hot name in the current head coaching cycle. He has completed interviews with the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans, and has drawn interest from the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. His departure is considered likely if he secures a top job.
What is the timeline for a decision?
The Chiefs are reportedly waiting for the Chicago Bears’ playoff run to conclude before formally interviewing Bieniemy, who is under contract. The Bears are in the NFC Divisional round. Other candidates, including former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, have also been mentioned, but Bieniemy is viewed as the frontrunner.
Didn’t Bieniemy just take a step back to be a position coach?
Yes. After serving as an offensive coordinator at the NFL (Commanders) and college (UCLA) levels, Bieniemy accepted the role of Bears running backs coach in 2025—a move seen as a strategic step to re-enter the NFL ecosystem and prove his value, which he did by revitalizing their ground game.