Eric Bieniemy Staying with Chiefs Shouldn't Impact Their Super Bowl Odds
By Ben Heisler
All roads seem to point back to Kansas City for Eric Bieniemy.
According to FanSided NFL Insider Matt Verderame, the Chiefs expect their Super Bowl winning offensive coordinator to return for the 2022 season.
Per source, the Chiefs anticipate Eric Bieniemy will return as their offensive coordinator. Contract isn't signed yet, but belief is it will get done.
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) February 24, 2022
Chiefs supported Bieniemy as he interviewed with Saints among exploring other opportunities, but also want him back. (1/2)
*UPDATE* Bieniemy is returning back to the Chiefs on a one-year deal.
UPDATE: EB returning to @Chiefs First reported by @MattVerderame and confirmed by @fox4sports @HaroldRKuntz3 #ChiefsKingdom #KCEndzone https://t.co/vsRFyJFEG1 via @thechiefswire
— John Holt (@JohnHoltNews) February 24, 2022
Bieniemy interviewed for several head coaching positions yet again this offseason, including the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints, but was eventually passed up despite his role in one of the league's most explosive and productive offenses the last four seasons.
The former standout running back turned coach has had a bit of a roller coaster offseason. First, he was named . Later, an editorial came out stating that he and Patrick Mahomes have quietly had a tumultuous relationship. Players such as Tyreek Hill have since come out publicly in support of Bieniemy, indicating there was no truth to the report.
Here is the part of Brian Flores' lawsuit against the #NFL in which Eric Bieniemy is mentioned at length. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/WhkqZQHeFz
— Devon Clements (@DevclemNFL) February 17, 2022
Are the Chiefs Better or Worse with Eric Bieniemy Back?
While there may be Chiefs fans eager for a new voice in that role, I would advise being careful for what you wish for.
Continuity and stability is not often found in the NFL. Nine new head coaches were hired this offseason, just under a third of the league. The year before that, seven new head coaches were brought on. That's half of the NFL swapping out almost entire coaching staffs in two years.
If Reid and the Chiefs want Bieniemy back, there's a reason for it.
Quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka recently departed to be the new offensive coordinator for Brian Daboll and the New York Giants, leaving the Chiefs without a familiar face in the offensive room for Mahomes and the rest of the team.
Right now at WynnBET Sportsbook, the Chiefs are at +800 to win the 2023 Super Bowl, just below the Buffalo Bills at +700. Both teams opened as the co-favorites following the L.A. Rams' Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
I've been an advocate of Bieniemy's for the last several years. He's been incredibly successful in his position and has deserved a promotion similar to that of others that were in the seat before him. The rest of the league's loss is the Chiefs' ultimate gain, provided everyone wants to be back.