Eric Bieniemy’s time as the Commanders offensive coordinator may have been short-lived, but he has still managed to make an impact on the Super Bowl 2024 run of the Chiefs.
Bieniemy spent five seasons as the Chiefs’ OC before he left for the same position last year in the nation’s capital.
But Bieniemy wasn’t away from the Chiefs for too long, making an appearance before Kansas City’s AFC title game against the Ravens, which seemed to fire up the players.
The former offensive coordinator sat in on meetings and spoke with the offensive player, which included Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs star QB told reporters Wednesday that it was “great” to have Bieniemy and the “energy he brings” inside the building.
“He loves being there. He loves being a part of the team and being a part of that culture,” Mahomes said, according to ESPN. “So just having him back in the building was really cool, and listening to him talk and his energy … I think guys had a little bit of chill bumps, like, ‘Hey, we got EB’s back here.’
“Obviously he didn’t get that head-coaching opportunity, but I’m excited for him to continue to coach football and continue to make his impact on the game.”
The Commanders officially fired Bieniemy on Monday before they introduced Dan Quinn as the franchise’s next head coach.
Quinn confirmed that Bieniemy wouldn’t be brought back after just one season and that he notified him in person on Monday.
While things didn’t work out in Washington for Bieniemy, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gave him a ringing endorsement.
“I think his coaching future is great,” Reid said. “I’m obviously a big fan of his and I know the things that he can do.”
The Chiefs are going for the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl title when they face the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Las Vegas.