The Kansas City Chiefs continue to reveal more details about the coaching staff being assembled around offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, signaling a significant restructuring of the team’s offensive leadership for the 2026 season.

Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star reported last week that four assistant coaches had already departed, then added two more names to the growing list on Tuesday evening, underscoring the level of change taking place behind the scenes.
Confirmed by McDowell, assistant running backs coach Mark DeLeone and offensive assistant Kevin Saxton will not return to the Chiefs’ staff in 2026, leaving openings that will be filled by new talent and signaling a fresh approach to the team’s offensive strategies.
With these two recent departures, there will be at least five new faces among Kansas City’s offensive coaching staff next season, including Bieniemy himself, wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea, and the eventual hire who will oversee the running back group.
The Chiefs’ coaching shake-up represents a notable pivot in philosophy under Bieniemy, who is expected to bring accountability, creativity, and renewed energy to the offensive side of the ball, building on his previous success as the team’s long-time coordinator.
Before joining the Chiefs in 2025, Mark DeLeone spent his entire NFL career on the defensive side of the ball, including a quality control role during the first three seasons of Andy Reid’s tenure in Kansas City, giving him a unique perspective on both offense and defense.
DeLeone earned the opportunity to be a position coach in 2018, leading the inside linebackers during the final season of defensive coordinator Bob Sutton’s tenure, demonstrating his ability to manage a critical unit within an NFL defense with precision and expertise.
However, the move to offense lasted only one season for DeLeone in Kansas City, highlighting the challenges that even experienced coaches can face when switching sides of the ball and adapting to entirely new responsibilities at the highest level.

Kevin Saxton, meanwhile, will leave the organization after three seasons on staff, during which he contributed as an offensive assistant and helped shape the development of young players, particularly within the skill positions and situational game planning.
These departures create both challenges and opportunities for the Chiefs, as new hires will be tasked with maintaining continuity while bringing fresh ideas, aligning with Bieniemy’s vision, and ultimately ensuring that the team’s offense remains dynamic and adaptable.
The Chiefs’ approach mirrors a broader NFL trend, in which coaching staffs are increasingly fluid, with turnover providing opportunities for innovation and the infusion of new perspectives, particularly on the offensive side where scheming and player development are paramount.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely, as the new hires could directly impact the performance of the team’s high-powered offense, especially in critical situations such as red-zone efficiency, third-down conversions, and the development of the running game under a fresh position coach.
Ultimately, the reshuffling of Kansas City’s offensive staff underscores the team’s commitment to sustained success, emphasizing that even proven coordinators like Bieniemy must build strong, complementary teams around them to maximize performance and maintain championship-level standards.
As the 2026 season approaches, expect the Chiefs to continue making calculated moves, filling each vacancy with individuals who align with Reid and Bieniemy’s vision, while also fostering a culture of accountability, creativity, and adaptability that has defined Kansas City’s recent success.