When Andy Reid walked into Arrowfield as a head coach for the first time over a decade ago, the Chiefs were a shambles. They finished 2012 with a 2-14 record, the worst in the league, and tied for the fewest wins in franchise history. Slowly, but surely, the former Eagles coach began turning around the Kansas City Chiefs’ fortunes and this season they are chasing an unprecedented Super Bowl 3-peat.

Another massive factor in the Chiefs’ recent success is quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Reid quickly realized that he needed an upgrade, despite Alex Smith helping the team to reach the playoffs in three seasons. Mahomes was snapped in the 2017 draft and he eventually helped the franchise to the first Super Bowl success in 50 years after the 2019 season. Both Reid and Mahomes are pivotal to the Chiefs’ success and it is hard to imagine one without the other.

However, Eric Bieniemy, who worked as the Chiefs OC for four years under Andy Reid believes that his former HC has been more pivotal to the Chiefs’ success.

The Chiefs haven’t been at their best this season, with their offense especially not breathing fire with the same intensity as seen over the course of their last two Super Bowl-winning seasons. Yet, with one regular season game left, they have already sealed the AFC West title with only one defeat in 16 games. This Chiefs side may not be the juggernaut of the previous years, but it is a well-oiled machine that knows how to get the job done.

Appearing on the NFL’s YouTube channel on Tuesday, Tom Pelissero asked Bieniemy, “This isn’t the best team we’ve seen. What about that group? And what about Patrick Mahomes specifically a guy who you were there from his first year starting? What allows them to have the consistency that they’re having?”

Bieniemy said, “The thing that allows them to have the consistency, first of all, is they have one of the best Hall of Fame coaches, you know, in our modern-day era, Coach Reid has done a heck of a job. But on top of that, Coach Reid has done a great job of building a culture and getting these guys to understand.

Bieniemy’s comments about personal stats taking a backseat and the team getting over the line consistently, do define how the Chiefs have operated this season. While Mahomes has been the driving force in the last two seasons, his performances this time around have been underwhelming, by his standards.

Last year’s Super Bowl MVP had a slow start to the season. Entering Week 9, he was tied for first in the NFL with nine interceptions and ranked 22nd among 31 qualified quarterbacks. As the season has progressed, Mahomes has found his groove. But a comparison with his 2023 numbers suggests this hasn’t been a dominant season from the 29-year-old.

Patrick Mahomes averaged 15.9 passing yards per game less this season and was also sacked significantly more throughout the season. Last year he was sacked 27 times and ranked 27th and this year he has been sacked 36 times and is ranked 11th. Moreover, he has also had fewer yards after catch (YAC) per game this season from his receivers. Mahomes has also had to suffer because of how Travis Kelce has not been able to perform to his standards.

In 16 games he has recorded 823 receiving yards, 8.5 yards per reception, and just 3 touchdowns. These are the WR’s career-low stats and yet despite the fluctuations in their personal numbers and performances, the Chiefs under the iron fist of Reid have been consistent in producing results. According to Bieniemy, the idea of putting the team first is something Reid has been able to successfully foster within the Chiefs camp and he continues to reap rewards for it.

When Reid took over the HC duties at the Chiefs, he went about transforming the franchise’s culture. He set the tone with his demeanor and how the players would conduct themselves. Being on time to meetings, not wearing hoodies or hats to meetings, and making sure uniforms are on properly are some of the things Reid brought into the setup and soon he had everyone pulling in the same direction, which is a quality that every successful HC needs.

Former Eagles president Joe Banner described how Reid would have the team working towards one goal, even if there were differences over certain things. “You’re not going to have division under Andy,” Banner said. “He’s not going to put up with that for a second. Even the important decisions, if he’s not sure about something and somebody else is really convinced on it, he will defer to people even when he has final say over things.”

Eric Bieniemy and Reid have been good friends since their work at the Chiefs. Bieniemy has experienced what Reid is capable of and how he operates day in and day out. When Bienemy was released from UCLA there was a murmur of him returning to the fold at the Chiefs, but that has now been put to rest

Eric Bieniemy bagged his next role!

After his exit from the Commanders, Bieniemy joined UCLA for a season. However, under him, the team struggled finishing 5-7. Hence, Bienemy and UCLA parted ways after one season.

But now, as per reporter Richard Cheese CFB on X, “Eric Bieniemy will be joining the Washington Huskies coaching staff as an offensive analyst. The two time Super Bowl Champ, former Kansas City Chiefs OC from ‘18-22, OC of the Washington Commanders in ‘23, and the UCLA OC in ‘24 joins the Huskies star studded staff.” Despite winning multiple Super Bowls, Andy Reid’s friend never received the head coaching job in his career.

Nevertheless, with his new job at the Huskies, he brings 16 years of NFL experience. So, it remains to be seen what’s next in store for him. Will he lead his new team to victory? Or will the firing stages continue for him?