RM Travis Kelce Opens Up About Eric Bieniemy’s Potential Return as Chiefs’ OC Amid Retirement Talk
With Matt Nagy officially departing after his contract expired following a frustrating 2025 campaign, the Kansas City Chiefs are once again searching for a new offensive coordinator. One name has quickly emerged as the frontrunner: former Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy. And if the reunion happens, Travis Kelce couldn’t be more enthusiastic.
Speaking on the New Heights podcast with his brother Jason Kelce, the star tight end made his feelings crystal clear about the possibility of Bieniemy returning to Kansas City.
“I really think it’s a partnership that can pick up exactly where it left off,” Kelce said. “That’s just who EB is as a coach. You can see his personality and his football identity in what Chicago did, especially with their running backs. That style has Eric Bieniemy written all over it. I’d love to see him back in the building.”
Kelce’s admiration for Bieniemy is rooted in years of shared success. Bieniemy spent a decade with the Chiefs, first coaching running backs from 2013 to 2017 before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018 — the same year Kansas City drafted Patrick Mahomes. The partnership produced historic results.
During Bieniemy’s five seasons as offensive coordinator, the Chiefs never finished lower than sixth in scoring, captured two Super Bowl titles, and reached another Super Bowl. Kelce made the Pro Bowl every season during that stretch and earned three first-team All-Pro honors, while Mahomes won multiple MVP awards.
With Nagy now out of the picture, momentum is building toward a reunion. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Kansas City plans to bring Bieniemy back as offensive coordinator. Shortly after, the Chiefs formally requested permission from the Chicago Bears to interview him — reportedly their only request once Andy Reid was cleared to conduct in-person interviews.
After enduring their most difficult offensive season in nearly ten years, the Chiefs may view familiarity as a solution rather than a setback. The interest is clear, the history is proven, and the pieces are aligning for a potential return.
“He’s one of my all-time favorite coaches and people,” Kelce added. “I grew so much under him — not just as a player, but as a person. I love the guy, and seeing him back in a Chiefs uniform would be incredible.”
Eric Bieniemy’s Return Could Impact Kelce’s Retirement Decision
Kelce’s future has become a yearly topic of discussion, and once again, retirement rumors have resurfaced following the 2025 season. While the veteran tight end has yet to make anything official, new reports suggest Bieniemy’s return could play a meaningful role in his decision.
According to Arrowhead Corner, there is strong support inside the Chiefs organization for Bieniemy’s return, and that support could influence whether Kelce chooses to continue his career.
“There’s strong player backing for Eric Bieniemy coming back,” the report stated. “It’s viewed as a significant factor that could impact Travis Kelce’s decision on returning.”
That context helps explain why Kelce has been so vocal about his desire to see Bieniemy back in Kansas City. Familiarity, trust, and comfort clearly matter at this stage of his career.
Kelce’s contract expired at the conclusion of the 2025 season, meaning any return would require a new deal. While nothing has been finalized, a one-year contract appears to be the most realistic scenario.
“Convincing Travis Kelce to return is a priority,” ESPN’s Nate Taylor said. “The odds aren’t necessarily in the Chiefs’ favor, but he’s still productive and remains Patrick Mahomes’ most trusted target. A reasonable one-year deal could bring him back as Mahomes recovers from his left knee injury.”
If Kelce does return, his presence would immediately provide stability to a passing offense led by a recovering Mahomes. For Kansas City, two major decisions now loom large: whether to reunite with Eric Bieniemy and whether Travis Kelce will suit up for one more season in a Chiefs uniform.
