The NFL’s hiring practices have faced intense scrutiny for years. Over the past decade, several qualified candidates have failed to receive legitimate opportunities to become head coaches.
Eric Bieniemy fits that description. Despite serving as the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2022, he has yet to land a head coaching job. During that stretch, he helped develop Patrick Mahomes and guided one of the league’s most explosive offenses to three Super Bowl appearances and two championships.
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Since leaving Kansas City, Bieniemy has worked with three different football programs between 2023 and 2025. Most recently, he served as the running backs coach for the Chicago Bears. Now back with the Chiefs, reports indicate he has rejoined the NFL’s coaching and front-office accelerator program.
Bieniemy has also built a reputation as an intense and demanding coach. Over the years, cameras have captured him clashing with star players on the sidelines and during practices. Even so, many of those players have consistently voiced their respect for him and his coaching style.
If Bieniemy can help get the Chiefs’ offense back on track this season, he should firmly reenter the head coaching conversation for 2027. Few assistants have compiled a résumé as accomplished as his without receiving an opportunity to lead a team. Maybe this renewed path through the accelerator program will finally help him reach that goal.
Will Bieniemy finally soon get his shot as an NFL head coach?