Key Stat Shows Eric Bieniemy Can Fix 1 of Chiefs’ Biggest Problems From 2025
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The 2025 season for the Kansas City Chiefs was not the offensive showcase many anticipated, as the team struggled to live up to expectations despite high hopes and key players in place. The offense’s inconsistency was glaring, especially considering the powerful weapons the Chiefs possess. There were many factors contributing to the underwhelming performance, including injuries and the six-game suspension of wide receiver Rashee Rice. However, the issues ran deeper, and one of the biggest struggles was the lack of development from running back Isiah Pacheco, who failed to take the necessary strides forward in his growth as a key component of the offense.

But beyond individual player performances, the most significant problem was the overall offensive system and its predictability. As the season progressed, it became clear that the Chiefs’ offensive scheme had grown stale. Even with a fully healthy roster of wide receivers, an improved offensive line, and a more productive Travis Kelce, the offense simply could not find its rhythm. The turning point came midseason when, despite all the necessary components in place, Kansas City lost five of six games between Week 9 and Week 15. From there, the team was eliminated from playoff contention, rendering the remainder of the season irrelevant.

Kansas City Chiefs Went Too Heavy on RPOs in 2025

One of the key issues with the Chiefs’ offense was the over-reliance on Run-Pass Options (RPOs). The idea behind RPOs is to put the defense in a difficult position by forcing them to react to both the run and the pass. However, this strategy only works if there is a balance between the run and pass game. The Chiefs, however, leaned too heavily on shotgun formations, which led to predictability. Opposing defenses, knowing the Chiefs had little threat of running the football effectively, began to shut down the passing game as well.

In a postgame interview following a Week 11 loss to the Denver Broncos, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was asked about the high number of RPOs being called. Reid explained that the team was attempting to take advantage of defensive opportunities to pass the ball, but he also acknowledged the inherent issue: “We’re calling quite a few of the RPOs… yesterday they were giving us opportunities to throw the football, so we utilized the opportunities there. And those things end up being as good as a run for either. We’re getting four-plus yards, and you go with it, but the runs are being called. It’s just, you know, sometimes they get turned into passes in today’s world.” While Reid defended the strategy, the reality is that an over-reliance on one dimension of the offense, especially one that lacks balance, is a recipe for long-term failure.

Eric Bieniemy’s Role in Fixing the Chiefs’ Offense in 2026

Fast forward to 2026, and there’s hope on the horizon for the Chiefs’ offense, thanks to the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The team’s struggles in 2025 could be just the catalyst for a significant change in offensive philosophy, as Bieniemy could push for a more balanced attack moving forward. Bieniemy, who has a history of running the ball effectively during his previous tenure as offensive coordinator, could offer the expertise needed to make Reid’s offense more dynamic.

A critical statistic shared by Warren Sharp on X (formerly Twitter) showcased a staggering imbalance in the Chiefs’ offensive scheme. In the 2025 season, the Chiefs ranked second-to-last in the league for dropbacks from under center, with just 45 attempts. This was far from the balanced offensive system needed to maintain consistent success in the NFL. Under center dropbacks allow teams to establish the run and create more varied passing opportunities. By comparison, the Los Angeles Rams led the league with 251 under-center dropbacks, showing the disparity in offensive approaches across the league.

Bieniemy’s Experience Can Influence Reid’s Strategy

What’s particularly intriguing is the influence Eric Bieniemy can have on Andy Reid’s offensive strategy moving forward. Bieniemy, as a former NFL running back and long-time running back coach, has seen the value of operating from under center to create a more diverse and unpredictable offense. His return to the Chiefs gives him the platform to influence Reid’s play-calling habits and to help the team regain its offensive balance. One could argue that the last time the Chiefs ran the ball effectively and had a consistent offensive attack was during Bieniemy’s first stint as offensive coordinator. The Chiefs were able to keep opposing defenses guessing by mixing the run and the pass, making it difficult for teams to predict their next move.

This potential change could lead to a more balanced offensive approach in 2026. Bieniemy’s history with the Chicago Bears, where he coached the running backs in 2025, further demonstrates his understanding of offensive balance. Under his guidance, the Bears finished the season with a top 10 offense, and quarterback Caleb Williams had a breakout year. One notable difference was the Bears’ increased success with under-center dropbacks, which could be a model for the Chiefs moving forward. If Bieniemy can get Reid on board with this strategy, it could be the missing piece for the Chiefs to become an offensive powerhouse once again.

The Adaptability of Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ Future

One of the most admirable traits of Andy Reid throughout his coaching career has been his ability to adapt. Over the years, Reid has demonstrated a keen understanding of offensive trends and how to evolve in response to changes in the league. His willingness to adjust his strategies to current trends has helped him remain a top-tier coach in the NFL. Now, with Bieniemy back in the fold, there’s hope that Reid will continue this trend of adaptability.

In the 2025 season, the Chiefs’ offense was stale because of the over-reliance on predictable RPOs and shotgun formations. If Bieniemy can persuade Reid to incorporate more under-center plays and balance the running game with the passing game, the Chiefs’ offense could become a far more dynamic and dangerous unit in 2026. The key to success will lie in the Chiefs’ ability to diversify their attack and not rely too heavily on one scheme or system.

For Chiefs fans, there’s hope that Bieniemy’s return signals the start of a new chapter for the offense. While Patrick Mahomes remains one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, the offense around him must evolve to keep pace with the competition. In the end, the Chiefs’ success in 2026 will depend on the ability of Bieniemy and Reid to find the right balance and make the necessary adjustments.

Nick Roesch covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Chargers. With over a decade of sports media experience, Roesch has also covered the Chiefs for USA TODAY Sports‘ Chiefs Wire and all 32 NFL teams for A to Z Sports. He is a trusted voice for NFL coverage and analysis.

Key Takeaways:

• The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense struggled in 2025, with a heavy reliance on RPOs and shotgun formations.

• The return of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator in 2026 could lead to a more balanced offensive approach, with increased use of under-center dropbacks.

• Bieniemy’s experience and influence could help Andy Reid adapt to current NFL trends, creating a more dynamic and unpredictable offense for the Chiefs moving forward.

Keep following for more updates on the Chiefs’ evolving offense and potential changes in the 2026 season!