Why Eric Bieniemy visited with Chiefs before AFC Championship Game in Baltimore
The Chiefs had a surprise visitor the night before the AFC Championship Game in Baltimore.
Eric Bieniemy.
The Chiefs’ offensive coordinator for five years before taking the same job with the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2023 season, Bieniemy drove to the team hotel and met with members of the Chiefs’ offense and staff ... and went over a play that was on the board.
“Man, EB was a special coach here for a long, long time,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said. “He’s like my uncle or my father figure in football. Everyone knows how fired up he can get. He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time.”
Earlier this week new Washington coach Dan Quinn said Bieniemy won’t be retained on the Commanders’ new staff. Before be became KC’s offensive coordinator, Bieniemy, an original member of Andy Reid’s coaching staff in Kansas City, spent five years as the Chiefs’ running backs coach.
When Bieniemy departed for the job in the nation’s capital, Matt Nagy succeeded Bieniemy as Chiefs offensive coordinator, just as Bieniemy succeeded Nagy when Nagy became the Chicago Bears’ head coach after the 2017 season.
When the Chiefs were struggling on offense during the regular season, it was suggested they missed Bieniemy’s fiery approach. But the Chiefs rallied late in the season, and in the playoffs, and now they are preparing for Sunday’s Super Bowl LVIII date with the San Francisco 49ers.
“The energy that he brings, the mentality he brings, you can just feel it,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “He has that intensity. Guys had some chill bumps.”
Bieniemy moved to Washington in hopes of building his resume for a head-coaching job. He called plays for the Commanders this season.
“Obviously he didn’t get that head-coaching opportunity,” Mahomes said, “but I’m excited for him to continue to coach football and continue to make his impact on the game.’‘
Reid said Bieniemy is up for “a couple of jobs. I would tell you his coaching future is great. Obviously I am a big fan of his and know the things he can do.”
This story was originally published February 7, 2024 at 2:11 PM.