Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has left training camp to attend to a family crisis after his wife, Mia Bieniemy, was shot multiple times at their Virginia home on July 26, 2026.
Loudoun County police confirmed that 57-year-old Mia Bieniemy was hospitalized in stable condition after sustaining serious injuries from multiple gunshot wounds.
The couple's oldest son, Elijah, was arrested in connection with the shooting and faces three felony charges while being held without bond.
Chiefs Offer Full Support
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the situation during a press conference on Monday, confirming that Bieniemy is taking an indefinite leave of absence from his coaching duties.
Passing game coordinator Joe Bleymaier will manage the offensive coordinator responsibilities while Bieniemy is away from the team.
"Eric will work through it," said Reid.
He noted that the coaching staff and organization are offering full backing to the offensive coordinator and his family during this period.
"He has a great support group here, as does his family, as needed. And then we’ll just let time take care of it from there," Reid added.
The head coach emphasized that family concerns immediately override professional football operations when personal emergencies occur. "On these things, real life," said Reid.
He reiterated that taking care of family matters remains the absolute priority for everyone involved in the organization.
"So, you take care of that, and that becomes important," said Reid.
Having navigated severe personal family tragedies during his own coaching career, Reid expressed deep empathy for Bieniemy's circumstance.
"We all love E. B.
and you hate seeing these things happen," said Reid.
Reid voiced optimism regarding the ultimate outcome despite the tragic nature of the events. "But there’s a blessing in there somewhere.
And so, I know things will work out," he said.
Reid also shared an update on the condition of the family members involved. "Mia is stable, which is a plus," said Reid.
He affirmed that the health and stability of the family members are what matter most. "And so is Eric (III).
That’s all important, all right," said Reid.
Reid praised Mia Bieniemy for her role within the family while speaking to reporters. "She’s a saint.
We all know that, the people that know her," said Reid. He highlighted her extraordinary character and presence in the lives of those around her.
"One of God’s blessings, right there now. Special person," said Reid.
Reid acknowledged that recovering from the tragedy will require patience and time. "But things happen.
Things happen and you just have to work through it. That’s where we are right now.
And time will have to be involved in this to help heal a little bit. But it’ll all work out in the long run," said Reid.
Bieniemy's Return to Kansas City
Prior to the incident, Bieniemy spoke about returning to Kansas City after spending three seasons with the Washington Commanders, UCLA, and the Chicago Bears.
His younger son, Eric III, lives with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, an experience Bieniemy previously noted shaped his perspective on life and coaching.
"The one thing you learn, it ain’t necessarily where you work, but more importantly, who you work with," said Bieniemy.
He reflected positively on his past coaching opportunities while highlighting the unique bond he shares with the Chiefs organization.
"Do not get me wrong: All of those opportunities that I’ve had – great experiences, great organizations – I had the time of my life working for them.
But when you become part of a family that you know from top to bottom, and you’re treated like family, you have a tendency to miss what you were a part of," said Bieniemy.
Bieniemy previously detailed how his younger son's resilience served as a foundational source of strength for the household during a 2020 interview.
"The first five years of his life, we lived in and out of a hospital," said Bieniemy.
He described how his son navigates life without seeking pity despite physical limitations.
"He’s confined to a wheelchair, but he doesn’t ask for any sympathy. Beautiful kid.
He’s the backbone of our family. He’s the energy we feed off of.
But what it also allows you is the sense to not take some of the things that we as people take for granted because our son doesn’t have blessings like others," said Bieniemy.
The Kansas City Chiefs veterans are scheduled to report to training camp at Missouri Western State University as the team continues its offseason preparations.
