A top offensive coordinator will not make his return to the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2024 season. There was speculation the Chiefs could look to replace offensive coordinator Matt Nagy following a 2023 regular season where the Chiefs offense struggled.

Eric Bieniemy was a longshot to return to Kansas City in 2023

Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy could be another excellent fit for the Colts head coach position (Photo by: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)
Following the Chiefs’ embarrassing loss on  Christmas Day to the Las Vegas Raiders, NBC Sports’ Mike Florio suggested the Chiefs could look to bring in their former coach, Eric Bieniemy, for the postseason. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was supportive of Bieniemy:

Mike Florio with NBC Sports thinks the Chiefs could make a literal splash hire for the playoffs by adding Bieniemy once he’s been relieved of his offensive coordinator duties in Washington. Patrick Mahomes has hinted recently he misses his former offensive coordinator:

“First, the Commanders would have to fire Bieniemy. If/when they move on from coach Ron Rivera, the Commanders could choose to hold other members of the staff in place, until the next coach decides whether to keep him. If that doesn’t happen, and if Bieniemy is relieved of his duties, he’d be free and clear to join any other team for the playoff run.

Why not return to the Chiefs? Quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently explained that Bieniemy brought an accountability that the team is missing. “I think Coach Bieniemy set that standard when he was here,” Mahomes said.”

Unfortunately for Bieniemy, the Washington Commanders kept him on staff deep into the playoffs until new head coach Dan Quinn dismissed him. The delay of his dismissal crushed Bieniemy’s chance to find another offensive coordinator job in the league for next season.

Bieniemy did talk to the Kansas City Chiefs during the playoffs

Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Reid hinted at a possible reunion with Bieniemy for the 2024 season during Super Bowl Week. Bieniemy met with the team before their AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens. Reid said he was a big fan of Bieniemy.

But the Chiefs kept Nagy as their offensive Coordinator following the team’s Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers. Bieniemy was able to find employment elsewhere.

Bieniemy will return to UCLA

Nov 7, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy looks on during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Per Adam Schefter with ESPN, Bieniemy accepted the associate head coach/offensive coordinator role with UCLA. Bieniemy said he’s excited to return to that part of the country:

“Southern California,” new UCLA Associate Head Coach/OC Eric Bieniemy wrote in an email Saturday. “I attended high school there. I started my career in the league here (with the Chargers). It’s obviously great to be back with the Bruins, where I was previously employed.”

Bieniemy coached UCLA’s running backs for the 2003-04 seasons. His hire by UCLA means he will not return to the Chiefs’ sideline for the 2024 season.

Could he return to Kansas City after they compete for the threepeat?