
After missing the 2025 NFL playoffs, the Kansas City Chiefs will look a lot different in 2026 — especially on the offensive side of the ball. Franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes is recovering from a long-term knee injury and free agent tight end Travis Kelce's future is still up in the air, leaving questions surrounding their two biggest star players entering the offseason.
That is not to mention the coaching staff, which has already lost four offensive assistants . That total does not yet include offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who has an expiring contract and is expected to leave after interviewing for open coaching jobs around the NFL.
However, the exodus of coaches has paved the way for the return of a familiar face on the Chiefs sideline. After the Chicago Bears were eliminated from the NFL playoffs, The Athletic's Jesse Newell and Diana Russini reported that Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy is expected to return to the Chiefs as Andy Reid's offensive coordinator, a position he held from 2018 to 2022.
On Wednesday, Kelce reacted to the news of Bieniemy's return on his "New Heights" podcast. The 36-year-old could not hide his excitement to see his former coach again — possibly in person.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building," Kelce said of Bieniemy. "He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time."
Travis Kelce return?
— SleeperChiefs (@SleeperChiefsKC) January 21, 2026
Kelce on the #Chiefs hiring Eric Bieniemy as their new OC.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building man, he’s one of my favorite coaches of all time…..it’s gonna be awesome to see him back in the building”
Via (@newheightshow) #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/g4dpphZTEs
Kelce's talk about being "back in the building" to see Bieniemy was notable given the uncertainty of his NFL future. The three-time Super Bowl champion is a free agent this offseason and said he may need time deciding on whether or not to return to the NFL in 2026.
"Who knows?" Kelce said of his potential retirement decision after the Chiefs' final game of the season. "Either it hits me quick or I've got to take some time. Last year was a little bit easier. I think I knew right away I wanted to kind of give this one [year] a shot. We'll see."
Kelce's production in 2025 did not slip as he entered the back half of his 30s. The tight end led all Kansas City players with 75 catches, 851 yards and five receiving touchdowns (tied).
It remains to be seen whether or not Bieniemy's return will help persuade Kelce to come back for a 14th season, but they have a good track record together including two Super Bowl titles in five seasons. Kelce has three seasons of 100+ receptions and 10+ touchdowns in his career, and all three came with Bieniemy as his offensive coordinator.
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