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DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 08: Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs look on during a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on January 8, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid took the podium on Thursday afternoon to discuss the team’s progress this week during organized-team-activities (OTAs). Among the hot topics of conversation was the Chiefs’ shakeup on the offensive coaching staff after finishing 6-11 last season — a record that served as the low watermark for Andy Reid’s tenure in Kansas City. It was Reid’s third worst winning percentage in 27 years as an NFL head coach.
In agriculture, a swidden is a temporary plot of land cleared by cutting and burning vegetation. The nutrient-rich ash then fertilizes the soil for planting crops. In a way, the Chiefs are hoping that by leaving 2025 in the rearview to burn, they have prepared the field to be fruitful in 2026.
But burning the field alone isn’t enough—once the old vegetation is gone, you have to be able to plant the new crops.
And Reid believes he has the right hands in place with this coaching staff, not just because of the knowledge they bring but because of their experience and how they go about their business.
“They’ve got some experience at their spots,” said Reid plainly. “They’re challenging the guys with fundamentals and techniques…”
On its surface, this comment might not seem like much for die hard Chiefs fans who suffered through 2025’s sloppy offensive play and poor execution. Reid’s comments about the individuals added to the staff, however, should be music to our ears.
Reid highlighted some of his coaches one by one, starting with new running backs Coach Demarco Murray.
“[In] Demarco’s case, he’s been there as a player,” explained Reid, highlighting the 2014 league rushing champion’s seven years in the NFL and three Pro Bowl nods. “He’s got a good relationship with EB (Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy).”
On Bieniemy, Reid wasted no time complementing the return of his right-hand man on the offensive side of the ball. Bieniemy arrived in Kansas City with Reid in 2013 as the team’s running backs coach. He served as Reid’s offensive coordinator from 2018-22.
“EB also knows that [running back] spot like the back of his hand. EB brings great energy. He knows everything. He’s got it all down. He can coach any spot, and he does a great job.”
Another significant addition to the Chiefs coaching room this offseason was adding wide receivers Coach Chad O’Shea. O’Shea is a longtime position coach who is best known for working with the New England Patriots’ pass catchers from 2009-2018, during the height of their dynasty.
“As far as Chad goes,” added Reid. “Chad has got 24 years in this league, so he’s got a lot of experience and coached a lot of really good players. So, it’s good to have him in that in that spot, in that room.”
When he was asked about the energy O’Shea brings to the practice field, and whether it’s noticeable? Reid pivoted to include his entire coaching staff in his praise, saying “Yeah, you notice it. I think they love what they’re doing. I think all of them kind of they love what they’re doing and they’re not afraid to express that.”
Continuing, Reid said that the players can also feel it.
“I think that’s healthy, and I think that discipline on offense is very, very important. You maintain that and incorporate that into the structure of what you’re doing as far as running plays.”
This last statement should be the most telling of the overhaul the Chiefs are attempting to make. The burn is behind them. Now, it’s time to cultivate something better.
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