Son charged in shooting wife of Chiefs’ coordinator Bieniemy in Virginia
by Liam Griffin, Matt Delaney · The Washington TimesThe son of current Kansas City Chiefs and former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been charged with shooting the veteran NFL coach’s wife at the family’s home in Loudoun County, Virginia, on Sunday evening.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office said Elijah Zion Bieniemy, the couple’s 27-year-old son, was arrested in the shooting that left his mother Mia Bieniemy seriously injured. ESPN reported that Mrs. Bieniemy was in stable condition on Monday morning.
Elijah Bieniemy has been charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling. He is being held without bond at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
Elijah Bieniemy was arraigned on Monday morning at Loudoun County’s Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. His next appearance — a preliminary hearing — is scheduled for Aug. 31.
The shooting occurred in the 20000 block of Northpark Drive in Ashburn, three miles from the Commanders’ training facility. The sheriff’s office noted a “heavy law enforcement” presence and urged residents to avoid the area on Sunday evening.
Authorities did not report any other injuries.
Eric Bieniemy left the Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, to fly home, coach Andy Reid said during Monday’s media availability.
“Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family. Thoughts and prayers with them,” Reid said after Monday’s practice. “I can’t get into details on it, but things happen sometimes, and Eric will work through it. He has a great support group here, as does his family, as needed, and we’ll just let time take care of it from there. But Mia is stable, which is a plus.”
Advertisement Advertisement
Reid said there’s no timetable for Bieniemy’s return at this point. Pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier and offensive line coach Andy Heck will take over Bieniemy’s duties as training camp moves forward.
“She’s a saint, we all know that, those of you that know her. One of God’s great blessings,” Reid added. “But things happen. And you have to work through it. That’s where we’re at right now. Time will have to be involved in this to help heal.”
The NFL community quickly responded with words of encouragement for the Bieniemy family.
“Nothing but love for my guy Coach Eric Bieniemy and his lovely wife as she recovers from a horrible sequence of events,” Louis Riddick, an ESPN analyst who previously worked as a scout in Washington, wrote on X. “Unimaginable what that family and the #Chiefs family must be feeling. My respect for that group is endless. Nothing but the best thoughts.”
Eric Bieniemy served as the Commanders’ offensive coordinator and assistant head coach during the 2023 campaign. Bieniemy, who was seen as a prospective head coach at the time, flamed out in his lone season in Washington and was let go with the rest of former head coach Ron Rivera’s staff.
Advertisement Advertisement
He first joined the Chiefs in 2013 as the running backs coach, and then rose to prominence as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator from 2018 through 2022. After stints with UCLA in 2024 and the Chicago Bears in 2025, he rejoined the Chiefs this offseason to replace Matt Nagy.
The Chiefs first full-squad workout will be Wednesday.
This story is based in part on wire service reports.
Advertisement Advertisement
Contact the author
Matt Delaney
Follow author updates Follow Click to follow. Manage followed authors
Liam Griffin
Follow author updates Follow Click to follow. Manage followed authors