ESPN reporter and NFL insider Adam Shefter confirms earlier reports that Eric Bieniemey will return as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator on Thursday afternoon.
Fansided’s Matt Verderame first reported the team anticipated Bieniemy’s return on Thursday morning, but no contract had been signed yet.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Bieniemy will return on a one-year deal, the same as the last contract he signed ahead of the 2021 campaign.
Shefter reported two weeks ago that Bieniemy and Head Coach Andy Reid would eventually meet to discuss the future between the 52-year-old coach and the Chiefs. Those talks obliviously led to EB signing a new one-year deal.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has never had another offensive coordinator other than Bieniemy. Since assuming the role in 2018, Kansas City’s offense has consistently ranked atop the NFL since Bieniemy first took over as OC in 2018. Under his leadership, the Chiefs have been in the AFC Championship every season since EB’s promotion.
Before returning to the Chiefs, Bieniemy interviewed for the head coach position with the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, both clubs passed him up. According to reports, the Saints were interested in hiring EB as their offensive coordinator but eventually chose to hire Pete Carmichael, who’s been associated with the club since 2006.
Bieniemey will eventually get his shot as an NFL head coach, but until then, he’s got a comfy role as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator in 2022.
