- - Did the Chiefs' New Coach Just Confirm Travis Kelce Is Coming Back Next Season?

Skyler CarusoJanuary 30, 2026 at 12:33 AM

15

Eric Bieniemy (left); Travis Kelce (right).

Ric Tapia/Getty; Perry Knotts/Getty

Eric Bieniemy shared his thoughts on working with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in his first media availabilty since returning to the team

The offensive coordinator might have unintentionally confirmed Kelce's return to the team amid rumors the tight end is retiring this year

Bieniemy previously was a coach with the Chiefs from 2013-2022

Did Eric Bieniemy mean to say that?

The respected offensive coordinator, whose return to the Kansas City Chiefs was recently announced after a three-year stint with the Washington Commanders, might have unintentionally confirmed Travis Kelce's retirement decision during a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Eric Bieniemy.

Ric Tapia/Getty

"I've had a small minimal conversation with both and they all have been great, but more than anything, it's just the excitement of reuniting," Bieniemy said, after a reporter asked him if he had spoken with Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

He added, "It feels good just to sit down and have conversations with guys. To be honest, I haven't talked any football or anything, it's just the excitement of seeing each other, asking how they're doing and making sure everything is good moving forward."

Bieniemy also shared his excitement for the coming season.

"Am I fired up? Yes. Do I respect the hell out of both those guys? Yes," Bieniemy said. "So I'm looking forward to getting back in the grind and chopping wood with them."

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sarah Stier/Getty

On Jan. 23, the Kansas City Chiefs officially announced the return of Bieniemy to the team after his three-year departure for stints with the Commanders, UCLA and Chicago Bears.

Bieniemy first joined the Chiefs coaching staff in 2013, serving as a running back coach until 2017 before being promoted to offensive coordinator. After the 2022 season, he left to take the same position with the Commanders.

The comments made by Bieniemy during the recent press conference come amid ongoing speculation over Kelce's future in the NFL and whether he will retire after this season, which ended short of the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jamie Squire/Getty

While the star tight end has yet to make an official announcement on his future plans, he's opened up about the factors that will play into his decision after his 13 seasons with the Chiefs.

"You know, that's a good question, man. I think I'm still searching for those answers... The way this one ended with a sour taste in my mouth," Kelce told retired football star Tony Gonzalez who asked about his retirement decision.

"I feel motivated, but I got to make the right decision for me," he shared.

Most recently, Clark Hunt — chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs — shared his organization’s take on what’s to come next year regarding Kelce, and endorsed the tight end’s decision if he elects to play a 14th season.

“Well as an organization, we certainly hope that he will come back,” Hunt said in a guest spot on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

"He had another great year, maybe not on par with where he was four or five years ago, but still had over 800 yards, and was really one of the leaders on the offensive side of the ball for us. So there’s no doubt in my mind that he can still play," he continued.

Hunt added, "We’re trying to be respectful and let him have the time that he needs to make a decision."

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”