Jean Carniel/Reuters; Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes' Comments Resurface After Chiefs News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 7:15 PM ET

There is no guarantee that Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes will be back together with the Kansas City Chiefs next season. Mahomes is still under contract with the team through 2031, following his $503 million, 10-year extension. Kelce’s contract, however, has run out, and the 36-year-old is now considering retirement.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Kansas City’s offense in 2026, the front office already made a major coaching move. This comes in the form of Eric Bieniemy’s return as offensive coordinator, replacing the outgoing Matt Nagy.

On Friday, old comments from Kelce and Mahomes about Bieniemy resurfaced, revealing how both stars truly feel about their new OC.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy talks with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15).Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images

This is not Bieniemy’s first stint with the Chiefs. He was the team’s running backs coach between 2013 and 2017. He was promoted to Andy Reid’s offensive coordinator in 2018, a role he held for five seasons.

Bieniemy moved on to the Washington Commanders in 2023 to be the team’s assistant head coach and OC. He was the assistant head coach and OC for the UCLA Bruins in the NCAA in 2024 before being hired as the Chicago Bears’ RB coach this past season.

The Chiefs bring back a familiar face in Bieniemy. Kelce and Mahomes’ true feelings about the 56-year-old have resurfaced in an old video posted by the Chiefs.

“If there was one person on the team that you could pick as your best friend — you can only pick one — who would it be?” Kelce asked Mahomes.

“Eric Bieniemy,” Mahomes responded.

“God, that’s a good pick,” Kelce said. “Where the enemies at? Running this thing like Eric Bieniemy’s back.”

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Bieniemy is indeed officially back with the Chiefs in 2026. He is expected to address multiple issues around Kansas City’s offense, which left a lot to be desired this past season. The Chiefs ranked 21st in the NFL in total yards in 2025 (5,451), 22nd in passing touchdowns (23) and 19th in rushing TDs (15).

Kansas City is in the midst of a major coaching overhaul. Apart from Bieniemy, the team has also parted ways with no less than six members of the coaching staff since they entered the offseason. More could be on the way.

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

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