The Kansas City Chiefs will likely be putting a lot of energy and resources towards the running back position after a not-so-great season on the ground. The Chiefs were ranked 25th this past season in rushing yards per game (106.6) and 21st in yards per carry (4.2).
That lack of production screams changes are needed from both a coaching and a personnel standpoint. Luckily, Kansas City has already handled the coaching portion, as they brought back Eric Bieniemy to be the offensive coordinator and hired DeMarco Murray to be their new RBs coach.
Bieniemy and Murray will be tasked with developing young RB Brashard Smith and whoever else the Chiefs add in free agency or the NFL draft. Based on the production last year, we shouldn’t expect Isiah Pacheco to be in that mix.
Dameon Pierce seemed like a goner after the season ended, too, given his frustrating lack of usage. However, the overhaul on the offensive coaching side breathes new life into the hopes that Pierce comes back for 2026.
Chiefs’ Offensive Staff Overhaul Could Be Blessing in Disguise for Dameon Pierce
Pierce, who is set to be a free agent, joined the Chiefs last November to help out their struggling run game. However, KC kept Pierce stashed on the practice squad for almost a month, which was puzzling as they had fallen out of playoff contention. If anything, that was the time to see what he could do.
Pierce was eventually signed to the active roster days before Christmas, but didn’t make his Chiefs debut until Week 18 and saw just four carries. It was a complete missed opportunity by head coach Andy Reid and then-offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.Â
Yet, with Nagy out the door, along with Todd Pinkston (former RBs coach), Pierce could get a fresh start with Bieniemy and Murray.
Surely Pierce saw what Bieniemy was able to do with rookie Kyle Monangai (783 rushing yards as a seventh-round rookie) and the previously written-off D'Andre Swift (career-high 1,097 rushing) in Chicago this past year, helping lead one of the most impactful backfields in the league in the second half of the 2025 campaign.
Now, Pierce could play for that very same coach. He isn't that far removed from his strong rookie season in 2022 (989 rushing yards on 212 attempts), which showcased his pro potential. Though he hasn't reached those heights since, injuries have played a role in his drop-off.
One of the best places to have a shot at recapturing his old magic is Kansas City. He's already familiar with Andy Reid, the personnel and the expectations. He also has to recognize the humongous need for a lead back, especially as Pacheco readies to depart and Kareem Hunt only gets older.
The opportunity for play for an RB whisperer in Bieniemy, and the exits of previous coaches who may have gotten in the way of playing time, just add to the improving chances that the Chiefs can sell Piece on another go-around.