Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is handling a personal crisis following his son Elijah’s alleged shooting of his wife, Mia, on July 26. The incident left her hospitalized, and Elijah is now undergoing a mental health evaluation before his preliminary court hearing.
Despite this tragedy, Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach confirmed that Bieniemy remains involved with the team. He emphasized that family is Bieniemy’s top priority. The team has set up a live video feed of practices, allowing Bieniemy to monitor and analyze player drills remotely, as reported by The Athletic.
Remote Engagement
Brett Veach shared that Bieniemy even called during a practice session, asking to speak with head coach Andy Reid. Bieniemy wanted to communicate a message to rookie running back Emmett Johnson, demonstrating his attention to detail. Veach commended Bieniemy for demanding high standards from players, highlighting the expectation for each player to know their assignments.
Bieniemy’s Return to the Chiefs
Bieniemy returned to the Chiefs this offseason to reignite the team’s competitive spirit. The Chiefs have endured a challenging season, finishing 6-11, a stark difference from their previous success. Bieniemy has been a part of the team’s journey, contributing to two Super Bowl victories, and his leadership is expected to steer the team back to elite performance levels.
Bieniemy’s influence extends through his vocal presence on the practice field, urging players to attend to details like ‘Finish’ and ‘Alignment.’ His coaching style mirrors Coach Reid’s approach, emphasizing precision in execution.
Family Crisis
The press release from the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office included charges against Elijah for malicious wounding, firearm use during a felony, and discharging a firearm indoors. Elijah’s mental health evaluation is crucial before he can appear in court, as he is reported to have significant mental health issues impacting his defense capabilities.
“His parents are withholding his weapons, and that he’s a certified UFC fighter, so now he feels like he cannot defend himself,” Elijah reportedly told the police.
Mia Bieniemy, Eric’s wife, was critically injured but has been moved out of intensive care since the shooting. This ongoing family matter does not have a specified end date regarding Eric’s return to in-person coaching.
Past and Future Involvements
Before rejoining the Chiefs, Bieniemy was part of the coaching staff for the Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, and UCLA’s football program. Currently, he balances family difficulties while supporting the Chiefs as their training camp intensifies.