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Patrick Mahomes Reacts to Chiefs News on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 7:04 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs are entering a critical offseason after finishing 6-11 in 2025 and missing the NFL playoffs for the first time in over a decade. Offensive struggles contributed to the disappointing season and veteran quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending injury only made matters worse.

These outcomes have led to head coach Andy Reid and the front office reassessing the structure of the offense as the franchise looks to bounce back next season. The offseason evaluation was compounded by questions surrounding offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who has drawn head-coaching interest around the league despite not yet being formally hired by another team.

Chiefs general manager Mike Borgonzi and the front office explored multiple options, including interviewing former Chiefs assistant Eric Bieniemy, who served as the Chicago Bears’ running backs coach in 2025.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) hugs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Kansas City and Bieniemy have agreed to terms to bring back the veteran coach as offensive coordinator, a role he had previously held for five seasons.

“Done deal: The Chiefs agreed to terms with Eric Bieniemy as their offensive coordinator,” Pelissero wrote. “Coming off the worst season of the Patrick Mahomes era, Andy Reid brings back a familiar face in Bieniemy, who was part of two Super Bowl wins in KC.”

Notably, Mahomes signaled his approval of the move hours before the report. The quarterback posted emojis on his Instagram Stories alongside an image of himself and Bieniemy, a clear endorsement from the team’s best player.

Bieniemy’s return reunites Kansas City with one of the most successful offensive coordinators in franchise history. During his previous tenure, the Chiefs consistently ranked among the NFL’s top offenses and won two Super Bowls, following the 2019 and 2022 seasons. After leaving Kansas City, Bieniemy spent time as offensive coordinator with the Washington Commanders, followed by a collegiate stop at UCLA, before joining Chicago’s staff in 2025.

Mahomes was not the only Chiefs star to react positively. Tight end Travis Kelce addressed Bieniemy’s return on the “New Heights” podcast:

“I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man. He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time. I’ve had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player, as a person… it’s going to be awesome to see him back in the building and see him back wearing the Chiefs logo.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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