When you think about the Kansas City Chiefs and their success in recent years, your mind probably jumps to Patrick Mahomes making incredible throws or Travis Kelce catching touchdown passes. But behind every successful NFL offense, there’s a coach working behind the scenes to make it all happen. That coach is the offensive coordinator, and this position plays a huge role in how the Kansas City Chiefs perform each season.
In this article, we’ll explore everything about the Chiefs offensive coordinator position. We’ll look at the current coordinator, Matt Nagy, and the legacy left by Eric Bieniemy. We’ll also examine how this role fits within the coaching staff, what makes it so important, and how it compares to similar positions across the National Football League.
What Does the Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Do?
Role of the Offensive Coordinator in an NFL Team
The offensive coordinator is one of the most important positions on any NFL coaching staff. This coach is responsible for designing and calling the plays that the offense runs during games. Think of the offensive coordinator as the architect of the team’s offensive strategy. They study opposing defenses, create game plans, and decide which plays will work best against each opponent.
In the NFL, the offensive coordinator works closely with the head coach to develop the overall vision for the offense. They also collaborate with position coaches who specialize in different areas, like the quarterback coach, running backs coach, and wide receiver coach. The coordinator needs to know every player’s strengths and weaknesses to put them in the best position to succeed.
How the Coordinator Fits Under the Head Coach
At the Kansas City Chiefs, the offensive coordinator works directly under head coach Andy Reid, who is known throughout NFL history as one of the greatest offensive minds in football. The Chiefs offensive coordinator must align their vision with Reid’s philosophy while also bringing their own ideas to the table.
The coordinator serves as a bridge between the head coach and the assistant coaches. They take Reid’s overall strategy and turn it into specific weekly game plans. Then they work with position coaches to teach these plans to the players.
Key Responsibilities
The offensive coordinator has several critical duties:
- Game Planning: Each week, the coordinator studies film of the upcoming opponent, identifying weaknesses in their defense
- Play Calling: During games, the coordinator may call offensive plays, though with the Chiefs, head coach Andy Reid often handles this responsibility himself
- Player Development: Working with the quarterback, running backs, and receiver positions to help them improve their skills
- In-Game Adjustments: When defenses playing against the Chiefs make changes, the coordinator must quickly adapt the strategy
- Practice Design: Creating practice plans that prepare the team for what they’ll see on game day
Why This Role is Vital to Success
The Chiefs have built their franchise around having one of the most explosive offenses in the league. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes leading the way, the offensive coordinator must design plays that showcase his unique talents. The coordinator also works to maximize the abilities of other offensive players like tight end Travis Kelce and young receiver Rashee Rice.
A great coordinator can make the difference between a good offense and a championship-caliber one. The Chiefs have won multiple Super Bowl titles in recent years, and the work of their offensive coordinator played a significant role in those victories.
Read More: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard: OC Leading Run Game Revival
A Look at the Current Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator : Matt Nagy
Matt Nagy’s Background and Coaching Journey
Matt Nagy is an American professional football coach and former player who has had a long journey in the NFL. Before becoming a coach, Nagy played college football and spent time as a quarterback in arena football leagues. His coaching career began with various assistant roles before he joined the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff as an intern in 2008.
Nagy worked his way up through the Chiefs organization, serving as a quarterbacks coach and then being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2016. His success in that role caught the attention of other teams, and he became the head coach of the Chicago Bears in 2018. After several seasons as the bears head coach in the Windy City, Nagy returned to Kansas City in 2022 as a quarterbacks coach. In 2024, he was promoted to offensive coordinator again.
When Matt Nagy Became Offensive Coordinator
The Chiefs promote Matt Nagy to his current role happened before the 2024 season. This marked his second stint in the position, as he had previously served as the Chiefs offensive coordinator from 2016 to 2017. His return to the coordinator role in 2024 came at an important time for the franchise. After winning Super Bowl LVIII in 2023, the team needed to maintain its championship standard.
What Matt Nagy Brings to the Team
Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy brings a unique perspective to the role. His experience as a head coach of the Chicago Bears gave him valuable lessons about leadership and managing the big picture. This experience makes him more than just a play designer – he’s someone who knows how to build a complete program.
Nagy is known for his creativity and willingness to use trick plays at key moments. He also emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong running game to complement the passing attack. However, even Nagy has acknowledged challenges. In recent statements, he noted that “the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense is still searching for its identity” in 2024.
Challenges and Opportunities
Every coordinator faces challenges, and Nagy is no exception. In 2024, the Chiefs offense struggled at times to find consistency. The team needed to develop younger players and adjust to the loss of some veterans. Additionally, opposing defenses have become better at containing the Chiefs’ explosive plays, forcing Nagy to find new ways to attack.
The biggest opportunity for Nagy is to build an offense that doesn’t rely solely on the brilliance of Patrick Mahomes making incredible plays. Nagy is working to improve the running game and create more opportunities for the offense to control the football game tempo.
The Legacy of Eric Bieniemy’s Impact
Eric Bieniemy’s Tenure
Before Matt Nagy returned to the role, Eric Bieniemy served as the Chiefs offensive coordinator from 2018 through 2022. Bieniemy, who had played college football and spent time in the NFL as a running back, brought intensity and expertise to the position. During his time with the Chiefs, the team appeared in Super Bowl LIV in 2020, Super Bowl LV in 2021, and Super Bowl LVII in 2023.
Under Bieniemy’s coordination, the Chiefs led the league in several offensive categories. The offense was explosive, creative, and nearly impossible to stop when firing on all cylinders. Bieniemy worked closely with Patrick Mahomes during the quarterback’s development into a superstar, helping the team achieve total offensive yards numbers that ranked among the best in the NFL.
What His Success Demonstrated
Bieniemy’s success showed that a great coordinator can elevate an entire franchise. The Chiefs won their first Super Bowl in 50 years during his tenure and established themselves as a dynasty. His ability to blend powerful running backs with explosive passing attacks created a balanced offense that opponents couldn’t predict.
After the 2022 season, Bieniemy left the Chiefs to become the offensive coordinator for another team. This departure meant the Chiefs needed to find someone who could maintain the high standards established during the previous years.
How the Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Compares to NFL Counterparts
What Other Teams Expect
Across the National Football League, teams have different expectations for their offensive coordinators. Some coordinators call plays during games, while others focus on game planning and player development. Teams with defensive-minded head coaches often give their offensive coordinator more autonomy, while teams with offensive head coaches (like the Chiefs with Andy Reid) may have coordinators who work more as collaborators.
Comparison With the San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers provide an interesting comparison to the Chiefs. Both teams have been Super Bowl contenders in recent years, and both have strong offensive traditions. However, the structure differs slightly. The 49ers have given their coordinators significant independence in building their systems, while the Chiefs coordinate more closely between the head coach and offensive coordinator due to Reid’s offensive expertise.
Both teams invest heavily in their coaching staff development and prioritize finding creative ways to attack defenses. The success of both franchises shows that while structures may differ, having talented coaches who work well together is what really matters.
Inside the Kansas City Chiefs Coaching Staff
Collaboration Between Coordinator and Head Coach
The partnership between the offensive coordinator and head coach Andy Reid is built on years of shared experience. Reid has coached in the NFL for decades, working with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles before finding championship success with the Chiefs. His offensive philosophy emphasizes creativity, taking what the defense gives you, and putting players in position to showcase their talents.
Nagy works closely with Reid throughout the week to develop game plans. They watch film together, discuss strategy, and make adjustments based on what they see. This collaboration means for the Chiefs that they have two experienced offensive minds working in sync.
Coordination With Position Coaches
The offensive coordinator doesn’t work alone. They collaborate with several assistant coaches who specialize in specific position groups:
- Quarterbacks Coach: Works directly with Patrick Mahomes and backup quarterbacks
- Running Backs Coach: Develops the ground game and helps running backs improve their skills in both rushing and receiving
- Wide Receivers Coach: Coaches players like Rashee Rice on route running and catching
- Tight Ends Coach: Works with Travis Kelce and other tight ends on blocking and receiving
- Offensive Line Coach: Develops players like Eric Fisher (in previous years) to protect the quarterback
The coordinator also serves as a potential assistant head coach figure, someone who can step in and handle broader responsibilities when needed. This leadership role makes the position attractive for coaches who aspire to become a head coach someday.
Key Metrics and Indicators of Success
What Offensive Metrics Matter
Success for an offensive coordinator is measured in numbers. Here are the key metrics that NFL teams track:
| Metric | What It Measures | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | Average points scored per game | Ultimate measure of offensive effectiveness |
| Yards in a Season | Total offensive yards accumulated | Shows the offense’s ability to move the ball |
| Third-Down Conversion % | Success rate on third downs | Indicates ability to sustain drives |
| Red Zone TD % | Touchdowns scored inside the 20-yard line | Measures finishing ability |
| Rushing Touchdowns | Touchdowns scored on the ground | Shows balance and goal-line effectiveness |
How the Chiefs Have Performed
The Chiefs have consistently ranked among the NFL’s top offenses over the past decade. During Eric Bieniemy’s tenure from 2018-2022, the offense ranked in the top five in points per game multiple times. In 2022 and 2023, the team’s offense remained explosive, leading to Super Bowl victories.
In 2024, under Nagy’s coordination, the team has faced new challenges but continues to rank among the league’s better offenses. The receiving yards numbers and efficiency metrics show an offense that is still dangerous.
Signs of Success vs Issues
You can tell when a coordinator is doing well by watching the games. A thriving offense shows creativity, balance, adaptability, player development, and consistency. When an offense struggles, you might see the offense struggled to establish an identity, predictable play calling that defenses can anticipate, or lack of adjustments when the initial game plan isn’t working.
Looking Ahead – The Future of the Position
What to Watch For
As we look toward 2025 and beyond, several factors will shape the Chiefs offense. The development of young players from recent NFL Draft classes will be critical. The offense ranked highly in past seasons, but maintaining that level requires constant innovation and adaptation.
The coordinator will also need to consider the aging process of current stars. Even great players like Travis Kelce won’t play forever, and planning for those transitions is part of the job. Finding the next generation of playmakers will define the coordinator’s legacy.
Potential Coaching Staff Changes
NFL coaching staffs experience constant turnover. Assistant coaches get promoted, retire, or take jobs with other teams. There’s also the possibility that Brett Veach, the team’s general manager, might make roster changes that affect the offensive philosophy.
Career Path Possibilities
The trajectory for an NFL coordinator can go several directions. Some use the position as a stepping stone to becoming a head coach, as Nagy did with the Chicago Bears. Some coordinators might move to other prestigious coordinator roles, perhaps with teams like the New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, or San Francisco 49ers that value offensive innovation.
How the Role is Evolving
The offensive coordinator position is changing rapidly. Today’s coordinators must be more than just play callers. They need to work with analytics departments, communicate with diverse players, and constantly innovate. The use of technology has transformed the role. Coordinators now have access to sophisticated video analysis tools, advanced statistics, and even virtual reality training systems.
Conclusion
The Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator position stands as one of the most important roles in professional football. Whether filled by Eric Bieniemy during the championship runs or by Matt Nagy in his current tenure starting in 2024, this coach shapes how one of the NFL’s most exciting teams operates.
From game planning to play calling, from developing offensive players to coordinating with the entire coaching staff, the coordinator does vital work that often goes unnoticed by casual fans. Yet their impact shows up every Sunday when the Chiefs take the field and their offense executes the game plan with precision and creativity.
The relationship between the coordinator and head coach Andy Reid exemplifies how great football organizations operate. With Reid’s legendary offensive mind setting the overall vision and the coordinator handling the detailed execution, the Chiefs have built a system that has produced Super Bowl victories and created some of the most memorable moments in recent NFL history.
FAQs
What happened to the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator?
Eric Bieniemy left after 2022, and Matt Nagy was promoted to offensive coordinator.
Who is the current offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Matt Nagy is the current Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator.
Does Matt Nagy or Andy Reid call plays for the Kansas City Chiefs?
Head coach Andy Reid calls plays, with input from Matt Nagy.
Who will replace Joe Thuney?
Nick Allegretti is expected to fill in for Joe Thuney.
What impact has the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator had on Patrick Mahomes and the offense?
Matt Nagy helps refine Mahomes’ play and keep the Chiefs’ offense explosive.
