Matt Nagy’s exit from the Kansas City Chiefs felt inevitable after the franchise’s worst finish in a decade. With his contract now expired, reports surfaced that he was exploring other opportunities. That reality became official once Kansas City moved forward by bringing back former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. While Nagy’s exit was the most predictable move of the offseason, his replacement could trigger the most impactful one: keeping Travis Kelce from retirement.

“Forever a Super Bowl champ,” the Chiefs confirmed on Friday, posting on X, “Thanks for everything, Coach Nagy!”

That social media announcement made the exit official. The move stands as one of Kansas City’s first notable offseason decisions as it turns its focus toward a reset in 2026. It also marks the second time Nagy has moved on from the Chiefs. He originally followed Andy Reid from Philadelphia in 2013 as a quarterbacks coach, was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2016, and parlayed that two-year run into the Chicago Bears’ head coaching job in 2018.

After a four-year run in Chicago, Nagy returned to Kansas City in 2022. He returned to the Chiefs as a senior assistant and quarterbacks coach. The following year, though, Kansas City promoted him again to offensive coordinator. Nagy delivered in his first year as an OC and won a Super Bowl. Fast forward to now, though, and a turbulent 6–11 finish combined with an expired contract led to a mutual parting of ways.

That decision has left Nagy’s immediate future unresolved. Reports indicated he was eyeing a return to a head coaching role in 2026. And the Tennessee Titans emerged as his preferred landing spot after two interviews, including a second meeting earlier this week. That opportunity, however, appears to have slipped away. The Titans hired former New York Jets head coach and current San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh instead.

Nagy has also interviewed with the still-vacant Cardinals and Raiders, but another potential landing spot may be off the table, as the Ravens are reportedly targeting Chargers DC Jesse Minter for their head coaching job

For a brief moment, it seemed possible Kansas City could circle back to Nagy if he missed out on the Titans job. But that option vanished once the Chiefs brought Bieniemy back into the fold, a move that could also have ripple effects on Travis Kelce’s future and his ongoing retirement considerations.

Eric Bieniemy could influence Travis Kelce’s retirement plans

Matt Nagy had a respectable run during his three years as the OC. Still, he couldn’t replicate the level of success Eric Bieniemy delivered in Kansas City. We’re talking about a stretch that included multiple Super Bowls, helping Patrick Mahomes grow into the face of the franchise, maximizing Tyreek Hill at his peak, and overseeing Travis Kelce’s rise into one of the best tight ends in the league.

Even before the Chiefs made the news official, reports suggested Bieniemy’s return could factor into Kelce’s retirement decision.

“Sources: There’s strong player support inside the #Chiefs building for the return of Eric Bieniemy, per me and @ChiefsTalk_,” said the report posted on the Arrowhead Corner’s ‘X’ account. “It’s seen as a significant factor that could play a role in Travis Kelce’s decision on whether to return.”

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At the time, Bieniemy was serving as the running backs coach for the Bears, but the possibility alone was enough to spark a reaction. Kelce didn’t hide his excitement once the idea gained traction.

“I can’t wait to see him back in the building. He’s one of my favorite coaches of all time,” Kelce said on the New Heights Podcast. “One of my favorite people of all time. I had so many unbelievable growing moments under him as a player and as a person. I just love the guy, and it’s going to be awesome to see him back in the building and seeing him wearing the Chiefs logo.”

Bieniemy is back in Kansas City as the Chiefs look to reset and push forward in 2026. As for Kelce, all signs point toward what will hopefully be one more run. Even with his contract expired, a one-year deal to stay in Kansas City feels likely, though his final decision is still pending.