The Chicago Bears have had a tremendous 2025 season in almost every aspect. None more so than their running game. With one week left in the regular season, they are 3rd in rushing. Much of that is thanks to the excellent work by running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai. The two have combined for over 1800 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. There is no denying the impact they've had. Much of the credit for this goes to Eric Bieniemy. His hiring as the running backs coach has clearly affected their development. Swift is having the best season of his career, and Monangai is a 7th round pick who might be the best #2 back in the league.
This is a big reason why head coach Ben Johnson sought him out in January. He knew Bieniemy's reputation as one of the best in the business. It was fortuitous that the coach was available, given his recent success as an offensive coordinator. Unfortunately, it sounds like Chicago may not get to enjoy it for long. Experts believe there is a growing possibility Bieniemy will leave this offseason. The general consensus is he likely returns to Kansas City, where they could make a change at offensive coordinator following a disappointing season from Patrick Mahomes.
Bringing back Eric Bieniemy feels inevitable for the Chiefs.
He was their offensive coordinator from 2018 through 2022. In that time, Mahomes averaged 4,791 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. In the three years since Bieniemy left, those numbers dropped to 3,899 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Mahomes went from the best in the sport to really good, and that has clearly made the Chiefs mortal. Whatever work Bieniemy did had an impact on their success. Bringing him back is a logical decision. It would be a pay bump for him and perhaps reignite his chance to become a head coach down the line.
The Bears can certainly beg him to stay. They could even offer a pay raise and maybe a promotion to run game coordinator. Such tactics have worked in the past. However, it feels like Eric Bieniemy made his point when he left Kansas City. While they did win another Super Bowl without him, it was already evident that the offense was losing steam even then. Things finally bottomed out this year. Kansas City knows it can't afford to waste prime years of Mahomes anymore. Bringing Bieniemy back is the obvious decision.
