Eric Bieniemy expected to receive extension to remain with Chiefs

Eric Bieniemy isn’t going anywhere, Chiefs kingdom.

Eric Bieniemy was the hottest name in head-coaching candidates entering the 2020 NFL season. Seven head coaching jobs were available this offseason when the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator went into meetings. Once again, he was bypassed in favor of other names who were deemed more qualified. The interesting part of all this is Bieniemy’s contract with Kansas City.

Entering Super Bowl LV, he’ll be coaching on an expiring contract. One reason a new deal never was worked out is that neither the Chiefs nor Bieniemy expected to be in this position when the season concluded.

A loss for all 31 other teams is a gain for Kansas City. The Chiefs are expected to bring back Bieniemy on a new deal once Sunday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has finished. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Eric Bieniemy might not be a head coach, but he’ll remain with Patrick Mahomes

Bieniemy, 51, has been a Chiefs assistant under Andy Reid since he arrived in Arrowhead back in 2013. Following the Bears’ hiring of Matt Nagy, he was promoted to Kansas City’s offensive coordinator and has served the role for the past three seasons.

The Chiefs’ offense and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have thrived under Bieniemy, ranking first in the NFL twice over the past three seasons. During their first season together, Mahomes picked up the league MVP award and threw a career-high 50 touchdowns. Last season, Kansas City won their first Super Bowl since 1969.

Earlier this week, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expressed dissatisfaction with only two minority candidates being hired during this cycle. The Jets hired Robert Saleh, who becomes the first Muslim head coach in NFL history, while the Texans hired David Culley, a 27-year assistant who has never been a coordinator.

Prior to Super Bowl LV, Bieniemy stated he would not “pity himself” on being passed up once again for a head coaching role.

“The only thing I can do is be my most authentic self. That’s who I am,” Bieniemy said. “I can only be me. Some team has to want me. For some reason, that chemistry has not been a fit. There has not been that opportunity to connect, but that’s OK. At the end of the day, I have the opportunity to go out here and work with the Kansas City Chiefs, which is a great organization.”

Kansas City will have a chance to run it back on offense with Bieniemy under the controls. That could be troubling for all coaches in the AFC come 2021.