Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco and current players have validated the intense, detail-oriented coaching style of returning offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy during recent NFL minicamp sessions.
Pacheco, who joined the Detroit Lions this spring on a one-year contract as their new No. 2 running back, noted a similar demanding leadership style from his new running backs coach, Tashard Choice.
"First and foremost, pinpointing the details in the work and coming out here and executing at a high level," said Pacheco.
"But most importantly, [it's] not making the same mistake twice—coming out and being better from that mistake."
The comments mirror feedback from Kansas City after the franchise rehired Bieniemy this offseason to replace Matt Nagy, whose contract was allowed to expire before he joined the New York Giants.
Bieniemy previously served as the Chiefs offensive coordinator for five seasons before stints with the Washington Commanders and the Chicago Bears.
The offensive coaching overhaul in Kansas City also brought in fresh voices like running backs coach DeMarco Murray and wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea to address a recent offensive decline and lack of young player development.
Current Chiefs players working with Bieniemy for the first time expressed immediate reactions to his demanding approach during their offseason program.
"He's intense and the first meeting, I was ready to run into a wall," said left tackle Josh Simmons.
New additions to the roster noted that high expectations began prior to taking the field.
"From the first night I met him… he was talking about everything I needed to be detailed at.
He's got high standards. That's good if you want to be better," said running back Kenneth Walker III.
Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes welcomed the return of his former coordinator, noting a shift in meeting atmosphere.
"I love it, man, I truly do. I think you can feel it in the meeting rooms.
The way he carries himself, with the confidence that he carries himself with, it really focuses you in on what you’re learning and the little details of things.
It’s been exciting to me, that first meeting had me wanting to run through a brick wall," said Mahomes.
Arrowhead Addict reported that the adjustments come after the Chiefs won consecutive Super Bowls despite visible frustrations regarding their offensive execution last season.
