The Kansas City Chiefs got a much-needed boost on Monday as offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy returned to training camp, ending an emotional two-week absence while his wife, Mia, recovered from a shooting.
Bieniemy had been away from the team since late July when news broke that Mia had been shot multiple times at their Virginia home. The alleged shooter was their 27-year-old son, Elijah, who was arrested and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in a felony, and discharging a firearm inside a dwelling.
Thankfully, Mia's condition has been stable, and her progress allowed Bieniemy to rejoin the squad ahead of Saturday's preseason opener. The reunion was captured on video by Chiefs beat writer Matt Derrick, showing Bieniemy receiving a warm embrace from the team's longtime public address announcer, Mitch Holthus.
"Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy back at practice Monday, getting a hug from voice of the Chiefs Mitch Holthus," Derrick shared on X, formerly Twitter.
During Bieniemy's absence, passing game coordinator Joe Bleymaier stepped in to handle play-calling duties. Head coach Andy Reid had previously expressed confidence in the interim setup but acknowledged that Bieniemy was eager to get back to work.
"Mia continues to improve, which is important," Reid said on Friday. "We're heading in the right direction. When he gets back, he gets back here. But I know he's chomping at the bit — and Mia is probably wanting to get him out of there, too."
Bieniemy's return comes at a critical time for the Chiefs' offense, which has been dealing with injuries at wide receiver. Two pass-catchers went down in Saturday's practice, and there's also the question of whether star quarterback Patrick Mahomes will see any action in the preseason. Reid has already indicated that Mahomes is likely to sit out the opener, a decision that could be influenced by the need to protect key players.
The situation with Bieniemy's son has been a sobering backdrop. Reports indicate that Elijah had called police days before the shooting to complain about guns in the home, and a 911 call revealed his concerns. He remains held without bond at a detention center in Loudoun County.
As Bieniemy settles back into his role, the Chiefs will look to move forward, focusing on the upcoming season. The offensive coordinator's presence is a positive sign for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, and his personal resilience has been an inspiration to those around him.
