Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has returned to training camp, two weeks after his wife was shot at their Virginia home and their son was arrested in connection with the incident. Bieniemy had been excused indefinitely from his duties following the July 26 shooting.
Bieniemy was seen returning to the practice field alongside former Chiefs running back Damien Williams, telling reporters, "It's great to be back." The Chiefs organization acknowledged his return on social media, posting a photo of Bieniemy with the caption, "Happy to have EB back."
Bieniemy's wife, Mia, sustained serious injuries, described as "multiple gunshot wounds," requiring surgery after being shot in the left forearm and shoulder. According to reports, a bullet fragment remains in her chest. Mia Bieniemy reportedly called 911 herself following the incident. Dispatchers had alerted responders that "the son still has a weapon currently located within the home."
Their son, Elijah Bieniemy, 27, faces charges including malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling. He is being held without bond. A Virginia judge approved a motion for a mental health evaluation for Elijah, following a filing by his public defender that cited significant mental health issues. A court hearing originally scheduled for August 31 will be rescheduled.
Recent reports indicate that the shooting incident followed at least three previous police interactions at the Bieniemy home. Two days before the shooting, Elijah Bieniemy contacted police to report that his parents were withholding his firearms. An incident report from this July 24 call stated Elijah claimed he was a UFC fighter and felt unable to defend himself without his weapons. He also reportedly spoke about his CPR license and the possibility of not being able to help others.
On June 1, deputies responded to a welfare check requested by a counselor for Elijah, who was enrolled in college classes remotely. Officers classified this response as non-urgent, determining at the time that no weapons were accessible.
A third report, filed on June 22, involved a suspicious circumstance with two individuals matching descriptions of Elijah and Mia Bieniemy. Police assigned a Stage 3 classification, indicating an urgent but non-life-threatening situation.
While attending to his wife's recovery, Bieniemy maintained contact with the Chiefs, reviewing practice livestreams and providing feedback. Head coach Andy Reid had stated that Bieniemy was a "big part" of the team and that his return would happen when he could "take care of business."
Bieniemy previously served as the Chiefs' offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2022 before rejoining the role this offseason. He was the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders in 2023. Travis Kelce, a Chiefs player, has credited Bieniemy with a significant role in his development.
The Chiefs are preparing for their 2026 season, with a preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams scheduled for Saturday and their Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos on September 14.