Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce offered his clearest indication yet that he could return for the 2026 NFL season while reacting to the organization’s expected reunion with longtime offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Kelce spoke glowingly about Bieniemy’s influence and impact as speculation continues to swirl around Kansas City’s offensive coaching future.
Travis Kelce Praises Eric Bieniemy as Chiefs Near Offensive Coordinator Change
Speaking on the “New Heights” podcast about Bieniemy’s potential return, Kelce openly expressed excitement about the reunion, connecting the coaching move to familiarity, continuity, and personal growth during the Chiefs’ most successful era.
League-wide reporting suggests the Chiefs are positioning themselves for a change on the offensive side of the staff. Kansas City has requested permission to interview Bieniemy, currently the Chicago Bears’ running backs coach, with the expectation around the league that he would return as offensive coordinator.
“I love that,” Kelce said. “I think it’s great. I think the marriage is gonna pick up right where it left off.”
The Chiefs have conducted extensive background work on Bieniemy because current offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is on an expiring contract and is viewed as a strong candidate for head coaching opportunities.
Kelce’s enthusiasm appeared rooted in his long-standing relationship with Bieniemy, who previously served as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator from 2018 through 2022. During that stretch, Kansas City won two Super Bowls and reached four AFC Championship Games.
“I can’t wait to see him back in the building he’s one of my favorite coaches of all time”
Travis shared his thoughts on (a possibly shirtless) Eric Bieniemy returning to the Chiefs pic.twitter.com/MRmdNAcIar
— New Heights (@newheightshow) January 21, 2026
“He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time, one of my favorite people of all time,” Kelce said. “I’ve had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player and as a person. I just love the guy, and it’s gonna be awesome to see him back in the building wearing the Chiefs logo.”
Kelce also referenced Bieniemy’s recent work in Chicago as evidence of his continued growth as a coach, pointing to the Bears’ offensive identity and rushing success.
“That body of work was definitely an Eric Bieniemy style of football,” Kelce said, later adding that Bieniemy is “one of the most creative minds coaching the game right now.”
After leaving Kansas City following the 2022 season, Bieniemy spent one year in Washington before stops at UCLA and Chicago. His impact with the Bears was immediate, as Chicago finished the 2025 season with a top-three rushing attack led by D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai.
While Kelce did not explicitly confirm his plans for the 2026 season, the tone and depth of his comments stood out.
No hire has been finalized, but if the reunion is completed, Bieniemy’s return could provide stability for a Chiefs offense navigating expected staff turnover. That familiarity may play a meaningful role as Kelce considers whether his career in Kansas City continues.
