Chiefs: The Value of Keeping Eric Bieniemy
by Shawn Sorter
Until recently we were unsure if a reunion with the Kansas City Chiefs and Eric Bieniemy (EB) would take place. Now that it’s confirmed he is returning, some people have mixed thoughts, or mixed feelings, about it. Some still believe we needed a new voice in the room, a new set of eyes and ears helping take our offense to new heights. I’m actually fine with EB returning and here are my reasons.
Continuity
There is something to be said about having the same message that has helped lead the Chiefs to 4 straight AFC Title Games and 2 Super Bowl appearances over that period of time. There will be no surprises about how things are done.
Love
The players seem to love him, the coaching staff seems to love him.
Pleasing Mahomes
Patrick wants him. I have no doubt that this is the case. There was at least one article with rumors of a rift between EB and Patrick, and either that article was a total farce, or if there was any truth to it, it has been resolved. The Chiefs and Andy Reid do not bring EB back if Patrick doesn’t sign off on the deal. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce were both very vocal about wanting EB back. Patrick gets what Patrick wants.
Future Draft Picks
If EB had been hired away as a head coach this off season the Chiefs would have received one (1) 3rd round pick for him (this year), but they had already received a 3rd round pick for Ryan Poles being hired away. If EB gets a head coaching job next offseason, K.C. will get 2 more 3rd round picks so the potential is there to gain one additional 3rd round pick. Can you imagine four (4) additional 3rd round picks over a 3 year period of time, all for helping to support the NFL’s minority hiring protocols?
Summary
In addition to continuity, plus Patrick and the boys wanting him back, the hope of gaining future draft capital is still a pretty nice perk. The Chiefs could have moved on from EB and maybe gotten someone more exciting — or maybe even better — but there are at least 3 main reasons to bring him back. So… if Andy and Pat are happy, all Chiefs fans should be happy.
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Shawn Sorter — ArrowheadOne
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