The Chicago Bears knew there was a chance that their breakout season in 2025 would come at a price. When a team that has been losing for a long time suddenly starts winning, other teams immediately become suspicious. It is likely said team hired some great coaches and it might be wise to pilfer them. Sure enough, it didn’t take long for one of the Bears’ top assistants to get lured away. Running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who’d just helped D’Andre Swift to his best season and turned rookie Kyle Monangai into a great contributor, left to become the offensive coordinator in Kansas City.
Bieniemy had remained silent on the topic during the transition, but he finally got the chance to speak up during an interview with FOX4 Morning News in Kansas City. He revealed that leaving wasn’t an easy decision. Bieniemy had actually planned to stay, hoping to help the Bears finish what they started this season. However, what pushed him into it was his close relationship with Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Once he got the call to return home (Bieniemy was in Kansas City from 2013 to 2022), he couldn’t say no.
It’s hard to judge Eric Bieniemy for that decision.
He has deep roots with the Chiefs, having won two Super Bowls with them and played a pivotal role in developing quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Players loved him. His departure in 2023 was less about him being unhappy there and more about trying to improve his chances of becoming a head coach. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out. His two stints as an offensive coordinator in Washington and at UCLA fell flat. After getting reinvigorated with the success in Chicago this past year, he’s ready to resume his original post.
Replacing him won’t be easy. Eric Bieniemy is widely regarded as one of the top running backs coaches in the business. Early rumors indicate the Bears are considering veteran Eric Studesville. He’d be a good one. While losing Bieniemy stings, there’s little reason to dwell on it. He had valid reasons for leaving. As much as he loved his time in Chicago, his true home was calling. You can’t stand in a man’s way when that happens. Here’s hoping he finds what he’s looking for.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
