Eric Bieniemy addresses return to Chiefs, recovery of wife after shooting

The NFL community was stunned to learn that Mia Bieniemy, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, had been shot at their Virginia home in late July. 

Eric Bieniemy left the team to be with his wife early in her recovery, but he returned to the Chiefs last week ahead of the club's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams this past Saturday. On Tuesday, he spoke with reporters for the first time since he stepped away from the Chiefs on July 27.

Eric Bieniemy: Wife is "on a great road to recovery" after being shot

"First and foremost, yes, she’s on a great road to recovery. Yes, she’s doing great," Eric Bieniemy said about Mia, per Dave Skretta of the Associated Press. "It is one of the main reasons that I am back here, because of her recovery. She’s truly a soldier. She’s a saint. And it’s been incredible to watch."

Elijah Bieniemy, the 27-year-old son of Eric and Mia Bieniemy, was eventually arrested and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling regarding the incident involving Mia. According to Nate Taylor of ESPN, Elijah Bieniemy is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

"Obviously, the unfortunate circumstances, which took place, [was] very hurtful, in a way," Eric Bieniemy said about the matter. "I'd also like to say thank you to the entire Chiefs family for the outpouring [of] love and support that my family has received through this particular situation."

Mia Bieniemy had a humorous reason to send Eric Bieniemy back to the Chiefs

Eric Bieniemy watched streams of practice sessions and participated in team meetings remotely throughout his absences. On Tuesday, he was able to joke about why he returned to the Chiefs before the start of the regular season. 

"I know I was driving her and a bunch of my family members crazy in the house," Eric Bieniemy said about Mia. "She was like, 'You have my blessing to leave.'"

Eric Bieniemy was part of the Kansas City coaching staff from 2013 through the 2022 season, and he was Kansas City's offensive coordinator over the final five campaigns of that tenure. Most recently, he worked as Chicago Bears running backs coach during the 2025 season before he returned to the Chiefs this past winter. 

Former Kansas City offensive coordinator Matt Nagy left the Chiefs in January, and he later joined the New York Giants as their OC under new head coach John Harbaugh.

"It feels good to be back," Eric Bieniemy added about his return to work. "When you've been in this environment, this is your family away from your family. I've been a part of this sport since the age of 6, so this has been a part of who I am. This is a beautiful sport. You have your highs and lows with what takes place on the field. But it's all about people being united for one common goal. It means a lot to not only have great players, but more importantly, great people that care about you not just as a coach, but who you are as a person, a family man."