Chiefs warmly welcome back Eric Bieniemy -- and his energy -- to training camp

Blair Kerkhoff, The Kansas City Star on Aug 10, 2026

Published in Football

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The encouragement and hugs started as Eric Bieniemy made his way to the field at Chiefs training camp at Missouri Western. Two weeks after leaving the team to deal with a family tragedy, the team’s offensive coordinator was back on the turf.

“The energy that he brings onto the practice field,” Chiefs tight end Jake Briningstool said. “Just being able to have his voice, his coaching points. His energy is infectious. It’s great to have him out here.”

Bieniemy left camp to be with his family and support his wife, Mia, after a July 26 shooting incident at their Ashburn, Va., home. Mia remains in stable condition after being shot in the forearm and shoulder. Their son, Elijah Bieniemy, 27, faces three felony charges in connection with the incident.

While he was away, Bieniemy watched film and live streams of practice.

“He’s calling you at (night) and talking to you about the day and the plays,” Patrick Mahomes said last week.

This marks the second time Mahomes and many of the Chiefs have worked with Bieniemy. He arrived with Andy Reid on his original Chiefs staff in 2013, coaching the running backs for five seasons before taking over as offensive coordinator in 2018.

In five those years, the Chiefs went 2-1 in Super Bowls and played in the AFC Championship five times.

Bieniemy left to become the Washington Commanders’ assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 2023. He coached at UCLA in 2024 and was the Chicago Bears running backs coach last season before returning to Kansas City.

“He pushes us to our limits every day, so we can be the best offense out there,” guard Kingsley Suamataia said.

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