The Kansas City Chiefs are quietly positioning themselves for a major comeback in the 2026 season, and all signs point to a strategic reunion with a familiar face. Despite a disappointing 2025 campaign marred by injuries and close losses, the organization has remained surprisingly inactive in the traditional offensive coordinator search. While the Chiefs have been officially in their offseason for over a week, they haven’t scheduled a single interview for the vacancy. This silence is being interpreted as a definitive signal: Andy Reid is waiting for Eric Bieniemy.
Currently, Bieniemy is the running backs coach for the Chicago Bears, a team that is still competing in the postseason. Statistical comparisons between the two programs highlight exactly why the Chiefs are so eager for his return. During the 2025 regular season, the Bears’ rushing attack, bolstered by Bieniemy’s influence, was one of the most efficient in the NFL, boasting a positive Expected Points Added (EPA) and averaging 145 yards per game. In contrast, the Chiefs struggled with consistency on the ground, averaging roughly 105 yards per game and finishing with a negative rush EPA. This 40-yard-per-game difference represents a significant burden that Patrick Mahomes has had to shoulder alone, particularly as Kansas City has struggled to surround the talented signal caller with top notch downfield playmakers. (All data courtesy of Tru Media)
The Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes have a chance to mirror the second half of the famed Brady-Belichick dynasty in New England. During that period, the Patriots moved away from high-flying aerial displays and leaned heavily on a stout running game, game management, and elite coaching to win multiple championships. By bringing back Bieniemy, Andy Reid is looking to replicate this model. The goal is to marry a revitalized run game with Mahomes’ elite processing ability, allowing the team to manage games more effectively and reduce the reliance on high-risk, high-reward passing plays. This shift is particularly important as the roster ages and the team looks to integrate new talent at positions like tight end and wide receiver.
Despite the 2025 record, the underlying metrics suggest the Chiefs are closer to contention than many realize. Mahomes was performing at a spectacular level on a per-snap basis before his injury, and the team’s losses were often the result of late-game lapses. For the first time in years, the Chiefs will also benefit from a third-place schedule and a top-10 draft pick, providing them with a unique opportunity to add an elite playmaker or edge rusher. By choosing stability and familiarity over a young and unproven coordinator, Andy Reid is prioritizing the system and culture that have already delivered three Super Bowls.
Ultimately, the anticipated hiring of Eric Bieniemy is seen as the first and most critical step in restoring Kansas City to championship glory. While the media may be quick to declare the end of the Chiefs’ dynasty, the strategic moves being made behind the scenes suggest a sleeping giant is about to wake up. By addressing their primary offensive weakness, the lack of a consistent running game—and capitalizing on their improved draft position, the Chiefs are positioning themselves to be the definitive turnaround team of 2026. For Chiefs fans, the wait for Bieniemy’s availability is a small price to pay for the return of an offensive architecture that knows exactly how to win in January and February.
Disclaimer: The content of this article was originally published as a YouTube video on the Saturday Morning Inspection YouTube channel. With AI assistance, the publisher of the video created this article based on the content of that video.
