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NEED TO KNOW
Eric Bieniemy shared his thoughts on working with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in his first media availabilty since returning to the team
The offensive coordinator might have unintentionally confirmed Kelce's return to the team amid rumors the tight end is retiring this year
Bieniemy previously was a coach with the Chiefs from 2013-2022
DidEric Bieniemymean to say that?
The respected offensive coordinator, whose return to the Kansas City Chiefs was recently announced after a three-year stint with the Washington Commanders, might have unintentionally confirmedTravis Kelce's retirement decision during apress conferenceon Wednesday, Jan. 28.
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"I've had a small minimal conversation with both and they all have been great, but more than anything, it's just the excitement of reuniting," Bieniemy said, after a reporter asked him if he had spoken with Kelce and quarterbackPatrick Mahomes.
He added, "It feels good just to sit down and have conversations with guys. To be honest, I haven't talked any football or anything, it's just the excitement of seeing each other, asking how they're doing and making sure everything is good moving forward."
Bieniemy also shared his excitement for the coming season.
"Am I fired up? Yes. Do I respect the hell out of both those guys? Yes," Bieniemy said. "So I'm looking forward to getting back in the grind and chopping wood with them."
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On Jan. 23, the Kansas City Chiefs officially announced the return of Bieniemy to the team after his three-year departure for stints with the Commanders, UCLA and Chicago Bears.
Bieniemy first joined the Chiefs coaching staff in 2013, serving as a running back coach until 2017 before being promoted to offensive coordinator. After the 2022 season, he left to take the same position with the Commanders.
The comments made by Bieniemy during the recent press conference come amid ongoing speculation over Kelce's future in the NFL and whether he will retire after this season, which ended short of the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
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While the star tight end has yet to make an official announcement on his future plans, he'sopened up about the factorsthat will play into his decision after his 13 seasons with the Chiefs.
"You know, that's a good question, man. I think I'm still searching for those answers... The way this one ended with a sour taste in my mouth," Kelce told retired football starTony Gonzalezwho asked about his retirement decision.
"I feel motivated, but I got to make the right decision for me," he shared.
Most recently,Clark Hunt— chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs — shared his organization's take on what's to come next year regarding Kelce, andendorsed the tight end's decisionif he elects to play a 14th season.
"Well as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back," Huntsaid in a guest spot on NFL Network'sGood Morning Footballon Tuesday, Jan. 27.
"He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there's no doubt in my mind that he can still play," he continued.
Hunt added, "We're trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision."
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