Chiefs’ Bieniemy Returns After Wife’s Shooting
Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy returned to the team Monday for his first training camp practice since his wife was shot at their Virginia home and the couple’s 27-year-old son was arrested in the shooting, according to AP News.
Bieniemy was greeted by a handful of fans as he walked down the long hill to the fields at Missouri Western State University, where the Chiefs hold camp. He then jumped directly into his first practice since Mia Bieniemy was shot the evening of July 26 at the family’s home in the One Loudoun area of Ashburn, Virginia.
The Shooting and Arrest
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a shooting on the 20000 block of Northpark Drive at approximately 7:32 p.m. on July 26. They found 57-year-old Mia Bieniemy suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and transported her to a hospital with serious injuries.
Elijah Zion Bieniemy, the couple’s 27-year-old son, was arrested early the next morning and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling. He is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
According to NBC Washington, Mia Bieniemy was shot twice in the upper body with a .22-caliber gun and underwent surgery, with a portion of a projectile remaining lodged in her body. Authorities have not released a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Legal Proceedings Delayed
Elijah Bieniemy’s court appearances have been delayed pending a mental health evaluation. A judge granted a mental-health competency evaluation after his public defender argued that he “appears to suffer from significant mental health issues” and does not appear able to assist in his own defense at the present time, as reported by Fox News. His preliminary hearing has been rescheduled for September 9.
Mia Bieniemy’s Recovery
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has provided regular updates on Mia Bieniemy’s condition throughout the ordeal. After she was released from the intensive care unit, Reid said she was “doing better, and great from where she was.” Upon Bieniemy’s return to practice Monday, Reid emphasized that “the primary thing is that Mia is stable, that she’s doing well.”
Staying Connected During the Absence
While away from the team, Bieniemy remained engaged with the coaching staff, watching streams of practices and staying in touch with Reid. In one instance, he called Chiefs general manager Brett Veach—who was sitting next to Reid—and asked him to hand over the phone, then proceeded to relay a point of instruction for a running back.
Pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier, who assumed many of Bieniemy’s responsibilities during his absence, noted that Bieniemy’s increasing outreach brought “a sense of normalcy to our team.” Running back Kenneth Walker III, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, said the team would “hold it down” until Bieniemy’s return, adding, “You can’t take a play off, because he’s going to say something to you about it.”
A Familiar Return
Bieniemy’s return to Kansas City this season marked a homecoming of sorts. He joined Andy Reid’s initial Chiefs staff in 2013 as running backs coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018. Over five seasons in that role, he helped the Chiefs reach three Super Bowls and win two while directing one of the NFL’s most prolific offenses.
After being passed over for multiple head-coaching opportunities, Bieniemy left for the Washington Commanders in 2023, then spent a season at UCLA and another with the Chicago Bears before returning to Kansas City to replace Matt Nagy, who became the New York Giants’ offensive coordinator.
Linebacker Nick Bolton captured the sentiment of the team upon Bieniemy’s return: “Obviously it’s great to have him back. We missed him and prayed for his family when he was out. But to have a guy like that come back to the field, man, a competitor—it brings out the best in us.”
What’s Next
The Chiefs continue their training camp preparations ahead of their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, recovering from reconstructive knee surgery, is unlikely to play in preseason games. Elijah Bieniemy’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 9, pending completion of the mental health evaluation.