Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has returned to the team and spoken publicly for the first time since his wife, Mia, was allegedly shot by their son in July. Bieniemy stated that his wife is "on a road to recovery" and "doing great."
"She is truly a soldier. She’s a saint. It’s been incredible to watch," Bieniemy told reporters on Tuesday. "She was like, ‘you have my blessing to leave.’ So it was time to come back."
Mia Bieniemy was reportedly shot in the chest and arm at the couple's home in Ashburn, Virginia, on July 26, while Eric Bieniemy was with the Chiefs for training camp. She was taken to a hospital and was in stable condition. A few days later, she was released from the intensive care unit.
Elijah Zion Bieniemy, 27, was arrested in connection with the shooting and 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 in Loudoun County and is scheduled for a competency evaluation. A preliminary hearing is set for September 9.
Bieniemy declined to provide updates on his son during the press conference. "Obviously, the unfortunate circumstances, which took place, [were] very hurtful, in a way," he said. He also expressed gratitude to the Chiefs organization for their support during the difficult time.
Following the incident, Bieniemy, 57, returned home to be with his wife. He participated remotely in some training camp practices during his two-week absence, during which he missed 11 practices. "Technology is pretty impressive," Bieniemy remarked, noting that his family members heard language they had not heard before due to his intensity while observing the team's work.
Bieniemy rejoined the Chiefs earlier this year after a three-year absence from the team, including a recent stint as the running backs coach for the Bears. He is now assisting the Chiefs as they aim to improve after a 6-11 record in 2025, which resulted in missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. "It feels good to be back," Bieniemy said. "When you’ve been in this environment, this is your family away from your family. I’ve been a part of this sport since the age of 6, so this has been a part of who I am."
He emphasized the importance of the people within the organization. "You have your highs and lows with what takes place on the field. But it’s all about people being united for one common goal. It means a lot to not only have great players, but more importantly great people that care about you not just as a coach but who you are as a person, a family man."