by # The Coaches Behind the Genius: Patrick Mahomes’ Key Relationships with Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy
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Patrick Mahomes has cemented himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history through just five seasons as the starter for the Kansas City Chiefs. At only 27 years old, Mahomes already has a Super Bowl title, Super Bowl MVP award, and NFL MVP award on his resume. Behind his unprecedented success is a coaching staff that has nurtured his talents and helped take his game to new heights. Two figures in particular stand out as instrumental in Mahomes’ development – Head Coach Andy Reid and Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy. While their coaching styles differ, both Reid and Bieniemy share a strong bond with Mahomes built on mutual trust and respect.
## Andy Reid: The Architect
When the Chiefs selected Mahomes with the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, it was Andy Reid who saw the potential in the young, gunslinging quarterback out of Texas Tech. As one of the most innovative offensive minds in football history, Reid recognized that Mahomes possessed the physical tools and mental makeup to thrive in his system. Over the past five seasons, Reid has served as the architect for one of the most explosive offenses in the league, crafting game plans that maximize Mahomes’ strengths.
Under Reid’s tutelage, Mahomes has developed tremendously both on and off the field. Reid is known for giving his quarterbacks freedom at the line of scrimmage to audible and make adjustments pre-snap based on the defense. This trust in Mahomes to run complex reads and change plays has accelerated his growth as a field general. Off the field, Reid has helped Mahomes refine his mechanics and study tendencies of opposing defenses. Mahomes has said Reid treats him like a son and that their relationship extends far beyond football. The two share a close bond and deep respect for one another.
Reid’s relaxed, player-friendly approach has also helped Mahomes thrive in Kansas City. While still demanding excellence, Reid fosters an environment of fun, competition and creativity that allows personalities like Mahomes to shine. He encourages risk-taking that has led to Mahomes breaking the mold for what’s possible at the quarterback position. At the same time, Reid has instilled in Mahomes an insatiable work ethic and attention to detail to reach his lofty goals. Their collaboration has yielded one of the most prolific offenses in NFL history, breaking numerous league and franchise records along the way.
Through both words and actions, Mahomes has made clear his admiration and gratitude for Reid. Following the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory in 2020, Mahomes called Reid “one of the best coaches of all time” in his postgame interview. Off the field, Mahomes often refers to Reid as a father figure and credits him for his success. The quarterback-coach dynamic between Reid and Mahomes represents the ideal marriage of talent, scheme and leadership. With Reid orchestrating the attack as Head Coach, Mahomes has all the support needed to cement his status as the face of the NFL.
## Eric Bieniemy: The Demanding Teacher
While Andy Reid oversees the entire Chiefs organization as Head Coach, Eric Bieniemy serves as the direct conduit to Patrick Mahomes as Offensive Coordinator. Bieniemy’s fiery, demanding coaching style is the perfect complement to Reid’s laidback approach. As a former NFL running back, Bieniemy brings a physical, detail-oriented mindset to quarterback development and game planning. His no-nonsense methods have pushed Mahomes to new heights despite inevitable growing pains.
Bieniemy is renowned for his grueling practices where he barks technique corrections and dissects every mistake at full speed. He shows no favoritism, holding Mahomes and all players accountable for execution. While this intensity ruffles feathers at times, Mahomes understands it comes from a place of wanting him to perform to the highest standard. Their relationship has weathered ups and downs through candid film sessions and challenges to Bieniemy’s playcalls. In the end, both share the goal of winning championships through ruthless preparation.
Away from the field, Bieniemy and Mahomes have forged a bond of mutual understanding. Bieniemy can relate to Mahomes’ journey as a former Black player who had to work tirelessly to earn opportunities. He recognizes the pressures that come with Mahomes’ stature but still pushes him to constantly evolve. Mahomes has spoken of Bieniemy’s compassion and wisdom imparted through difficult conversations. While their dynamic is often fiery on the practice field, Mahomes sees Bieniemy as a father figure offering guidance both professionally and personally.
Bieniemy’s impact was on full display during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LV defeat in 2021. Down 9 points late in the 4th quarter, Bieniemy rallied the team with an impassioned speech to leave it all on the field. Mahomes then led a touchdown drive and two point conversion to force overtime, where they fell just short of the win. The coordinator’s fiery motivational skills are a big reason the Chiefs never lose faith even in dire circumstances. With Bieniemy demanding the most from every practice and game, Mahomes has the preparation needed for any situation.
Going forward, the Reid-Bieniemy tandem will be instrumental in Mahomes continuing to dominate the NFL. Bieniemy pushes the limits of Mahomes’ talent with his detailed, demanding style. Reid then empowers Mahomes with freedom and creativity within the system. Their diverse yet complementary approaches have taken Mahomes from a raw prospect to a proven champion. So long as Reid and Bieniemy continue nurturing Mahomes in Kansas City, the quarterback and his high-flying offense will remain the envy of the league. Their interwoven relationships represent the ideal coaching support system behind one of the game’s all-time greats.
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