Last week, Patrick Mahomes listed qualities he needed in Kansas City’s next offensive coordinator: loves football, holds everyone accountable, brings new ideas, and wants to win. Fast forward to Monday, the Chiefs requested a call with their former OC, Eric Bieniemy, for those very reasons. But, as it turns out, the current Chicago Bears coach’s re-entry could also push tight end Travis Kelce to run it back once again.

“Sources: There’s strong player support inside the #Chiefs building for the return of Eric Bieniemy, per me and @ChiefsTalk_ .” The update was posted on Arrowhead Corner’s X account. “It’s seen as a significant factor that could play a role in Travis Kelce’s decision on whether to return.”

While nothing is guaranteed, there are strong signs that connect Bieniemy to KC as their next OC. He would return in the same position he held back in 2018, during Patrick Mahome’s first-season as a full-time starter. Reid hired Bieniemy to be the running backs coach in 2013, the same year that Travis Kelce was drafted.

And so, Bieniemy brings exactly what the franchise is looking for after a disappointing 6-11 season. But most importantly, his reunion with the Chiefs could make Kelce return.

“I’ve been a big fan of him [Eric Bieniemy] my entire career; he’s done unbelievable things for my skillset personally and my mentality in terms of helping me grow as a player,” Kelce said. “More than deserving [of an NFL head coaching job].”

Just last month, Kelce also confessed to his brother Jason on the New Heights podcast that he loves watching the Chicago Bears. The reason?

“I just love watching teams that have Eric Bieniemy as their coach.”

Under his tutelage, the tight end became one of the best players in the franchise. But the year Bieniemy left the Chiefs, Kelce recorded his first season in seven years without crossing the 1000 rushing yards mark. 2025 marked his third consecutive season without reaching that milestone.

So, if a little push is all Travis Kelce needs to return to the Chiefs next season, Bieniemy’s name alone should be enough. As for the KC, the former OC has already proven his skillset.

After the Bears hired then-OC Matt Nagy in 2018, Reid promoted Bieniemy to the OC position. In his first season as the OC, the Chiefs led the league in total defense (425.6 YPG) and average points scored (35.5 PPG).

The franchise won its first Super Bowl in fifty years in 2019, repeating the feat in 2022. They reached the Super Bowl thrice in that span. He also helped the offense finish no lower than sixth in points per game in his previous five years.

After ten years with Andy Reid in KC, the Washington Commanders hired him. He has worked with UCLA and the Bears in his latest stints. Meanwhile, after struggling the entire season in 2025, the Chiefs ended with the 20th offense in the league according to PFF. And so, they already know what Bieniemy’s return could do for the team.

How Bieniemy could help the Chiefs rejuvenate

If he returns to the Chiefs, Bieniemy will be someone who knows the previous system and can bring fresh and new ideas from a team that was under first-year head coach Ben Johnson and ranked tenth in the league.

He significantly impacted Chicago’s running attack this season as the running back coach. Their 4.9 yard-per-carry average ranked third in the NFL, and they had the second-best rushing offense.

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Under him, running backs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai also made huge strides. Swift recorded a career-high 1,087 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns. Monangai, a seventh-round rookie, generated 947 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns.

On the other hand, the Chiefs’ production from running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt was among the league’s worst. Moreover, their run-blocking scheme could also use some sizeable improvements.

Bieniemy has always been known for demanding discipline and accountability from his players. In fact, confrontations during games or practices between the OC and his players were not wrong in Bieniemy’s eyes if they meant giving them the motivation to perform their best.

If Mahomes’ list matches Reid’s as well, Bieniemy might be the one. Moreover, he could also impact Kelce’s retirement decision, especially now that he has confirmed his stance.

Travis Kelce believes his tank still has some fuel left

“I don’t know, it’s a tough thing to navigate,” Kelce said when asked about coming back for a final dance.

“But at the same time, if my body can heal up, rest up, and I can feel confident that I can go out there and give it another 18, 20, 21-week run. I think I would do it in a heartbeat. Right now is just finding that answer. And seeing how the body feels after this game and when it all settles down.”

His contract expires on March 11, 2026, coinciding with the 2025 season’s conclusion. As of now, there have been no extension talks, leaving the TE’s future up in the air. Kelce believes he still has a year left in him. It remains to be seen whether he will be in Kansas City or ultimately call it quits, something that his teammates don’t want him to do.

While talking to the media, Kansas City’s DE Chris Jones made it clear that he still wants the TE to come back for one more year. “Damn, man. We’ve been through so much together. I hope he gives it one more year, just one more year.”

It’s safe to say that Chris is not the only Chiefs player with this sentiment. Backup QB Chris Oladokun also feels the same way.

“Hopefully, it’s not Travis’ last year, but he’ll make that decision in the offseason. And obviously, everyone in Chiefs Kingdom would love to have him back.” Oladokun said, while adding more to the belief everyone has in Travis. “The game loves and needs Trav, so we’ll see; he’ll make that decision.”

Back in December, while talking to NFL Legend and former TE Tony Gonzalez, Kelce revealed how the 2025 season ending didn’t sit well with him.

“I think I’m still searching for those answers. I think, obviously, the way this one ended with a sour taste in my mouth, I feel motivated, but I got to make the right decision for me,” Kelce added. “I’ve got to hope that, you know, if I do want to come back, the Chiefs are willing to bring me back. So it’s a two-way street on that.”

Considering everything that’s going on both on and off the field for Kelce, multiple factors will play into the TE’s retirement decision. The same was the case last season when he wanted to rebound from the team’s Super Bowl LIX defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. Now, let’s see if a disappointing season and Bieniemy’s reunion are enough motivation for him to return.