Bieniemy Returns to Chiefs
Chiefs Coordinator Eric Bieniemy Returns to Camp After Wife Shot; Son Charged
Key Points
Bieniemy returned to Chiefs training camp on August 10, two weeks after Mia Bieniemy was shot in Virginia.
During his absence, Joe Bleymaier, the Chiefs' passing game coordinator, led the offense on the field with support from the rest of the coaching staff.
Bieniemy remained engaged remotely, watching practice streams from Missouri Western State University and conferencing into team meetings; he even phoned Chiefs GM Brett Veach to relay feedback to Andy Reid.
Elijah Bieniemy’s case included a brief court hearing on July 30 in which he was granted the ability to undergo a competency evaluation.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy returned to training camp on August 10, two weeks after his wife Mia was shot multiple times at their home in Ashburn, Virginia, according to The New York Times. Their son, Elijah Bieniemy, was arrested and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling.
Bieniemy said Mia is on the "road to recovery" and called her "a soldier and a saint." He added that she gave him her blessing to return to the team. "Being back felt like coming home to family," he said.
Mia Bieniemy Shot at Virginia Home in July
Mia Bieniemy was shot multiple times at the couple's home in Ashburn, Virginia, according to The New York Times. Their son Elijah was arrested at the scene. Bieniemy immediately left Chiefs training camp to be by her side. The shooting sent shockwaves through the NFL community.
Elijah Bieniemy faced a brief court hearing on July 30. At that hearing, a judge granted him the ability to undergo a competency evaluation, according to Island Packet. His case is still ongoing. The charges he faces are serious and carry significant prison time if convicted.
Bieniemy Stayed Connected Remotely During Two-Week Absence
Bieniemy did not go dark while away. He watched practice streams from Missouri Western State University, where the Chiefs hold camp. He also joined team meetings remotely. He even called Chiefs general manager Brett Veach directly to pass feedback to head coach Andy Reid, according to The New York Times.
In Bieniemy's place on the field, passing game coordinator Joe Bleymaier led the offense, with support from the rest of the coaching staff, according to The Olympian. The Chiefs kept the unit running smoothly despite the difficult circumstances surrounding their coordinator's absence.
Bieniemy Thanks Supporters, Focuses on Getting Rhythm Back
When Bieniemy spoke publicly after returning, he thanked the many people who reached out. He said the support meant a great deal to his family. He asked that people continue to respect the family's privacy as the legal case moves forward, according to Charlotte Observer.
Bieniemy said his main goal now is to regain his rhythm with the offense as the season approaches. Mia herself told him it was time to go back to work. "She gave me her blessing," he said, according to Tri-City Herald. The Chiefs open the regular season with high expectations built around their championship roster.
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