Travis Kelce sees head coach traits in Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy

After three seasons at the helm, even Travis Kelce is surprised that Eric Bieniemy has yet to be named a head coach 

Stop if you’ve heard this story before; a high-end offensive coordinator enters an interview with a chance to be head coach. His qualifications are top-notched following his staff making a pair of Super Bowls, including one ending in a win.

The meeting concludes, ownership considers its options and makes the call. His phone doesn’t ring, leading right back to square one and hopeful next season will be “his” year.

Eric Bieniemy knows this story far too well. So do his players in Kansas City.

“It blows my mind that he’s hasn’t landed a head coaching job yet, but I know I’m just reaping the benefits of having an unbelievable coach,” Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce said. “I’m going to keep enjoying it while he’s here.”

One team’s loss is another team’s gain.

Chiefs: Travis Kelce and Kansas City benefitting from Eric Bieniemy remaining the OC

Since taking over for Matt Nagy in 2018,  Bieniemy’s offensive style has been one of the more consistent personnels in the league. Kansas City has finished No. 1 in total offense twice, and top-10 in passing during the same span.

It was Bieniemy’s personal coaching to Patrick Mahomes that helped him thrive early while adjusting to NFL speed. Long nights in the film room during 2018 paid dividends for the then-second-year gunslinger.

In 2018, Mahomes led the league in touchdown passes before picking up his first MVP trophy. The following year, the Chiefs were Super Bowl champion.

Think that’s enough to earn a shot at running your own team? Kelce couldn’t argue against it.

“He’s an unbelievable leader,” Kelce said of Bieniemy. “He has the ability to get the best out of guys in the hardest moments and maybe even the most uncomfortable moments. When adversity hits, he’s the equalizer. He’s the one that makes sure everybody is on the same page and doing the right things.”

The gameplan under Bieniemy and head coach Andy Reid has benefitted Kelce into becoming the league’s top tight end. In each season, Kelce has finished with over 1,000 yards receiving, including setting NFL’s single-season receiving yards record in 2021.

Once again, the annual ‘where will Bieniemy head to next’ rumors have grown once more. This time, reports have fluttered in that perhaps USC would consider him as a name to take over the Trojans in 2022.

That’s not on Beinemy’s mind for now, winning another Super Bowl is the top priority. Maybe in February he’ll trade in his uniform of Kansas City red for USC cardinal.

Another year will come and Bieniemy will arguably be a head coaching candidate. It’s a new season, but the story hasn’t change. One day, someone will end the constant carousel of waiting for his time to be “the guy” for an organization.

Kelce’s seen first hand what makes Bieniemy special. He’s a man that can win over a locker room, and one players will go to war with every Sunday afternoon.

“I do think that what he brings to the table is second to none,” Kelce said. “We’re very fortunate we have a guy like leading us into victory.”

Travis Kelce spoke to FanSided on behalf of his brand new partnership with Tide and their mission to #TurnToCold and save energy.  For more information and have a chance to win a personalized Travis Kelce-talking washing machine, check out their website here.