Chiefs’ Eric Bieniemy returns to practice after wife’s shooting at their Virginia home

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy returned to practice on Monday for the first time since his wife was shot at their Virginia home. The incident occurred on July 26, when Mia Bieniemy was shot and their 27-year-old son, Elijah, was arrested. Bieniemy was greeted by a few fans as he walked down the hill to the training fields at Missouri Western State University, where the team holds its camp.

He immediately joined in on his first practice since the tragedy. Elijah Bieniemy has been charged with malicious wounding, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and discharging a firearm inside a dwelling. His court appearances have been delayed for a mental health evaluation. Bieniemy, who had been staying in touch with coach Andy Reid and the rest of the staff, called the head coach to share a point of instruction for a running back during a practice.

Bieniemy, a key member of the Chiefs' coaching staff that won three Super Bowls, left for a stint with the Washington Commanders, where he also served as the offensive coordinator. However, the Commanders' struggles led to his departure. He then coached running backs at UCLA and the Chicago Bears before rejoining the Chiefs as offensive coordinator, replacing Matt Nagy who moved to the New York Giants.