Who is Eric Bieniemy? | Biography
Eric Bieniemy is an American football coach and former NFL running back. He serves as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs after rejoining the franchise in January 2026. His return reunited him with head coach Andy Reid, who previously worked alongside him during the Chiefs’ championship years.
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Born on August 15, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Bieniemy later moved to California. He attended Bishop Amat Memorial High School before starring at the University of Colorado. During his college career, he rushed for 3,940 yards and 42 touchdowns, becoming the Buffaloes’ all-time leading rusher. Moreover, he helped Colorado win the 1990 National Championship and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.
The San Diego Chargers selected Bieniemy in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He later played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles. Throughout his NFL career, he recorded 1,589 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns before retiring after the 1999 season.
After retirement, Bieniemy transitioned into coaching. He coached at Colorado, UCLA, and with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 as running backs coach. In 2018, Andy Reid promoted him to offensive coordinator. He helped develop one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, guiding the Chiefs to victories in Super Bowl LIV and Super Bowl LVII.
Bieniemy later served as assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders in 2023. He then coached at UCLA in 2024 and the Chicago Bears in 2025 before returning to Kansas City. His experience across both college football and the NFL has strengthened his reputation as one of football’s most respected offensive coaches.
Away from football, Bieniemy is married to Mia Bieniemy, and they have two sons. In July 2026, his family experienced a tragic incident after Mia Bieniemy was seriously injured in a shooting at their Virginia home. Authorities arrested and charged their adult son, Elijah Zion Bieniemy, in connection with the incident. The Chiefs expressed their support, and Bieniemy stepped away from training camp to be with his family.
Eric Bieniemy Age | How Old is Eric Bieniemy?
Eric Bieniemy is 56 years old. He was born on August 15, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. As one of the NFL’s most experienced coaches, Bieniemy has built a successful career spanning more than three decades. Moreover, his playing and coaching experience has made him a respected football leader. In 2026, he returned to the Kansas City Chiefs as offensive coordinator, reuniting with head coach Andy Reid after previous championship-winning seasons.
Eric Bieniemy Height | How Tall is Eric Bieniemy?
Eric Bieniemy stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. During his NFL playing career, he weighed approximately 205 pounds (93 kg). Although he was shorter than many professional running backs, he relied on strength, quickness, and vision to succeed. Consequently, he enjoyed a productive nine-year NFL career with the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles. His physical build complemented his aggressive running style and competitive mindset. Today, Bieniemy remains a respected NFL coach, serving as the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator after returning to the team in 2026. His height never limited his success on or off the field.
Eric Bieniemy Weight
Eric Bieniemy weighs 205 pounds (93 kg). During his NFL career, he paired his 5-foot-7-inch (170 cm) frame with strength, balance, and quickness. As a result, he enjoyed a productive nine-year career with the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles. His compact build helped him break tackles and gain tough yards as a running back. Today, Bieniemy no longer plays professionally. However, his playing experience continues to shape his coaching philosophy as the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator.
Eric Bieniemy Education
Eric Bieniemy attended Bishop Amat Memorial High School in La Puente, California, where he excelled in football and track. After graduating, he enrolled at the University of Colorado Boulder in 1987. There, he became one of the greatest players in school history while helping the Buffaloes win the 1990 national championship. Following his NFL playing career, Bieniemy returned to Colorado and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2001. Moreover, he achieved a grade point average above 3.5 while completing his remaining coursework.
Eric Bieniemy Wife | Who is Eric Bieniemy wife?
Eric Bieniemy is married to Mia Bieniemy, and the couple has built a strong family throughout his football career. Although Mia prefers a private life, she has supported her husband during his playing and coaching journey. Together, they have two sons, including Elijah Zion Bieniemy. In July 2026, the family faced a tragic incident when Mia suffered multiple gunshot wounds at their Virginia home. She remained in stable condition after hospitalization, while authorities charged their adult son in connection with the shooting. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs expressed support for Bieniemy as he stepped away to be with his family.
Eric Bieniemy Children | Sons
Eric Bieniemy and his wife, Mia Bieniemy, have two sons: Eric III and Elijah Zion Bieniemy. Eric III has cerebral palsy, and his parents have spoken about their commitment to supporting his care and daily needs. Meanwhile, Elijah largely stayed out of the public spotlight for many years. However, in July 2026, authorities arrested 27-year-old Elijah Zion Bieniemy after a shooting at the family’s Virginia home that seriously injured Mia Bieniemy. Following the incident, Eric Bieniemy stepped away from Kansas City Chiefs training camp to support his family during the ongoing investigation.
Eric Bieniemy Family | Parents, Siblings, & Early Life
Eric Bieniemy was born to Eric Bieniemy Sr. and Fern St. Cyr. He spent much of his childhood in Southern California, where his family supported his passion for football. His parents encouraged discipline, education, and athletic excellence from an early age. However, Bieniemy has kept most details about his family private throughout his coaching career. Likewise, he has not publicly shared verified information about having brothers or sisters. As a result, reliable sources do not confirm any siblings. Instead, Bieniemy has chosen to keep the spotlight on his football achievements rather than his extended family life.
Eric Bieniemy Wife Shooting | Latest Update on Mia Bieniemy’s Condition
Eric Bieniemy’s wife, Mia Bieniemy, was seriously injured in a shooting at the family’s home in Ashburn, Virginia, on July 26, 2026. According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call and found Mia with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders transported her to a nearby hospital, where doctors reported that she was in stable condition. Authorities arrested the couple’s 27-year-old son, Elijah Zion Bieniemy, and charged him with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharging a firearm inside a dwelling. He remains held without bond, while investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
At the time of the incident, Eric Bieniemy was attending Kansas City Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri. He immediately left the team to be with his family after learning of the shooting. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Mia was in stable condition and expressed the organization’s full support for Bieniemy during the family crisis. The Chiefs also released a statement requesting privacy while the family focuses on Mia’s recovery. As of the latest available reports, the criminal case remains active, and no additional charges or official findings have been announced.
Eric Bieniemy NFL Stats | Career Rushing, Receiving, & Playing Statistics
Eric Bieniemy played nine NFL seasons from 1991 to 1999 as a running back. During his career, he represented the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles. Although he never became a full-time starter, he proved to be a dependable contributor. Moreover, his versatility allowed him to contribute as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
Bieniemy finished his NFL career with 1,589 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 146 receptions, and 1,223 receiving yards. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry on 387 rushing attempts. His consistent production and football intelligence later helped him transition into one of the NFL’s most respected coaches. Today, he serves as the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, bringing valuable playing experience to his coaching role.
| Category | Career Stats |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 9 (1991–1999) |
| Games Played | 142 |
| Rushing Attempts | 387 |
| Rushing Yards | 1,589 |
| Rushing Average | 4.1 yards per carry |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 11 |
| Receptions | 146 |
| Receiving Yards | 1,223 |
| Receiving Touchdowns | 0 |
| Longest Rush | 36 yards |
| Longest Reception | 42 yards |
Eric Bieniemy Contract | Details of His Kansas City Chiefs Coaching Agreement
Eric Bieniemy signed a multi-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs to return as the team’s offensive coordinator in January 2026. The Chiefs announced the reunion after deciding not to retain former offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. However, the organization has not publicly disclosed the contract’s length, salary, bonuses, or other financial terms. As a result, no verified figures are available regarding Bieniemy’s compensation.
The agreement reunited Bieniemy with head coach Andy Reid, under whom he previously helped lead Kansas City to Super Bowl LIV and Super Bowl LVII championships. His return reflected the franchise’s confidence in his offensive leadership and familiarity with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. As of the latest available reports, no official updates have changed the terms of Bieniemy’s contract, and the financial details remain confidential.
Eric Bieniemy Teams Coached | Complete NFL & College Coaching History
Eric Bieniemy has coached at both the college and NFL levels. Moreover, his coaching career spans more than two decades and includes several successful organizations. In 2026, he returned to the Kansas City Chiefs as offensive coordinator. Throughout his career, Bieniemy has developed running backs, coordinated elite offenses, and won two Super Bowls with Kansas City.
Teams Eric Bieniemy has coached:
- University of Colorado (Running Backs Coach, Offensive Coordinator)
- UCLA (Running Backs Coach, Assistant Head Coach)
- Minnesota Vikings (Running Backs Coach)
- Kansas City Chiefs (Running Backs Coach, Offensive Coordinator)
- Washington Commanders (Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator)
- Chicago Bears (Running Backs Coach)
- Kansas City Chiefs (Offensive Coordinator, 2026–present)
Eric Bieniemy Salary
Eric Bieniemy’s exact salary has not been publicly disclosed. After returning to the Kansas City Chiefs as offensive coordinator in January 2026, he signed a multi-year contract, but the team did not reveal his annual pay or financial terms. Consequently, no verified salary figure is available. Although media reports suggest experienced NFL offensive coordinators can earn more than $1 million annually, no credible source has confirmed Bieniemy’s compensation. Therefore, any published estimates remain speculative rather than factual. As of the latest available information, the Chiefs continue to keep Bieniemy’s salary confidential.
Eric Bieniemy Net Worth 2026
Eric Bieniemy has an estimated net worth of around $5 million. His wealth comes primarily from his nine-year NFL playing career and more than two decades as a college and NFL coach. Moreover, he earned additional income through coaching contracts with the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, UCLA, and Chicago Bears. In 2026, Bieniemy returned to the Kansas City Chiefs as offensive coordinator under a multi-year contract. However, the Chiefs have not disclosed his current salary or contract value, making his exact net worth impossible to verify.
Biography Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eric Bieniemy Jr. |
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1969 |
| Age | 56 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | NFL Coach and Former Professional Football Player |
| Current Position | Offensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs |
| Current Team | Kansas City Chiefs (2026–present) |
| Education | Bishop Amat Memorial High School; University of Colorado Boulder (B.A. in Sociology) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | 205 lbs (93 kg) |
| NFL Playing Career | San Diego Chargers (1991–1994), Cincinnati Bengals (1995–1998), Philadelphia Eagles (1999) |
| NFL Career Stats | 142 games, 387 rushing attempts, 1,589 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 146 receptions, 1,223 receiving yards |
| College Football | University of Colorado Buffaloes (1987–1990) |
| College Honors | 1990 National Champion, Third in 1990 Heisman Trophy Voting |
| Coaching Career | More than 20 years in college football and the NFL |
| Teams Coached | University of Colorado, UCLA, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears |
| Super Bowl Titles (Coach) | Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVII |
| Wife | Mia Bieniemy |
| Children | Eric III and Elijah Zion Bieniemy |
| Parents | Eric Bieniemy Sr. and Fern St. Cyr |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $5 million |
| Salary | Not publicly disclosed |
| Contract | Multi-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs (signed in 2026; financial terms undisclosed) |
| Known For | Developing elite NFL offenses, coaching Patrick Mahomes, and winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs |




