NFL Rumors: Eric Bieniemy to Return as Chiefs OC After Head Coach Interviews

Eric Bieniemy is reportedly expected to return as Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator in 2022.

Matt Verderame of Fansided reported the Chiefs are anticipating Bieniemy will be back after interviewing for several head coaching vacancies. Adam Schefter of ESPN confirmed Bieniemy will return to the Chiefs.

Bieniemy's contract expired after the 2021 season, so the two sides will need to reach a new deal for him to officially return. 

The 2022 season would be Bieniemy's 10th working under Andy Reid in Kansas City. He began as a running backs coach in 2013 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018, a move that coincided with Patrick Mahomes' ascent.

Kansas City has hosted a record four straight AFC Championship Games, with the Chiefs offense ranking as the most explosive in football for most of that time period. 

Bieniemy seemed like a lock to become the latest Reid protege to find himself leading a team of his own. Eleven Reid assistants have gone on to be NFL head coaches, including Bieniemy's two predecessors as Chiefs offensive coordinator (Doug Pederson and Matt Nagy). It's unclear why Bieniemy is yet to receive a chance at a head-coaching position—especially given he's had more success as a coordinator than either Pederson or Nagy.

Bieniemy's name is prominently featured in a racial discrimination lawsuit filed against the NFL by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. The suit cites Bieniemy's continued failure to land a top job as an example of the racial bias that exists within the NFL.