Chiefs Rumors: Eric Bieniemy Could Return to Andy Reid, Chiefs After Commanders Exit

A reunion between the Kansas City Chiefs and former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy could happen this offseason, according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.

For now, Matt Nagy isn't going anywhere as the team's offensive coordinator. Florio reported Bieniemy could rejoin the staff with the title of "assistant head coach," and he might be a candidate to succeed Andy Reid should Reid step down after Super Bowl LVIII.

Bieniemy wasn't retained by the Washington Commanders after they hired Dan Quinn as their new head coach. Quinn pivoted in a new direction, handing keys to the offense over to Kliff Kingsbury.

The timing of his departure was less than ideal for Bieniemy because nearly all of the offensive coordinator vacancies had been filled. Florio reported he "was in serious consideration" for the Seattle Seahawks, who reportedly selected Ryan Grubb instead.

When the 54-year-old left the Chiefs after the 2022 season, it looked like a necessary step in his coaching career. Even though he remained an offensive coordinator, having full play-calling duties and getting out from under Reid's shadow allowed him to prove even more why he deserved to be a head coach somewhere.

In retrospect, Bieniemy might have been better off just staying in Kansas City because he already appears to be hitting a major crossroads.

The allure of replacing Reid is obvious, and one would have to assume Bieniemy will be a strong contender if Reid rides off into the sunset. Accepting an assistant gig in Kansas City would be a risk, though.

On one hand, Bieniemy doesn't have a lot of options at this stage. By going to the Chiefs, he'd at least stick around the NFL for the 2024 season, and he might benefit from whatever success they had on the field.

On the other hand, serving as one of the architects for an elite offense and winning two Super Bowls wasn't enough for Bieniemy to get hired as a head coach before. Why would it be any different the next time around, especially if he isn't even the offensive coordinator?

Bieniemy has a lot to ponder as he weighs his next step.