Travis Kelce’s three-word hint over Chiefs move suggests retirement decision already made

As the Kansas City Chiefs begin the work of dismantling the disappointment of a 6-11 season, one looming question has overshadowed every roster move.

Will Travis Kelce return for 2026?

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At 36 years old, the future Hall of Famer has been open about the physical toll of 13 seasons and the high-stakes decision regarding a multimillion-dollar contract that expires in March.

However, on Wednesday’s episode of the New Heights podcast, Kelce may have just tipped his hand, dropping enough of a hint that may soon have Chiefs Kingdom exhaling in relief: “I love that.”

The catalyst for Kelce’s renewed spark appears to be the reported return of Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator.

After a lackluster 2025 offensive showing under Matt Nagy – who is out of contract and interviewing for a number of head coaching openings – the Chiefs are reportedly reuniting with the man who oversaw their most prolific era.

For Kelce, the return of E.B. isn’t just a coaching hire, it’s a personal reunion. While discussing the news on his podcast, Kelce didn’t hide his excitement about the reunion between head coach Andy Reid and his former right-hand man.

“I love that,” Kelce said on his podcast.

“I think it’s great. I think it’s a marriage that’s gonna pick up right where it left off. E.B., and who he is as a coach, you can see kind of his personality, what he brings to the table in that Chicago team.

“I know (Bears head coach) Ben Johnson has his own version of that. He’s a very tough guy. And what he did in Detroit, he brought over as well. And you can see those running backs over in Chicago and their body of work was definitely an Eric Bieniemy style of football, man.”

Speculation has been rampant that Kelce might walk away to focus on his burgeoning media career or his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift. Yet, his reaction to Bieniemy’s return suggests a player who is already visualizing himself back on the field at Arrowhead.

By repeatedly mentioning seeing Bieniemy “back in the building,” Kelce inadvertently, or perhaps strategically, indicated that he expects to be in that same building to greet him.

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“I can’t wait to see him back in the building, man,” Kelce continued.

“He’s one of my favorite coaches of all-time, one of my favorite people of all time. I’ve had so many unbelievable, growing moments under him as a player, as a person, and I just love the guy, and it’s gonna be awesome to see him back in the building and see him back wearing the Chiefs logo, baby.”

The Chiefs’ 2025 campaign was their first losing season since 2012, characterized by a stagnant offense and a season-ending injury to Patrick Mahomes.

Bringing Bieniemy back is seen as a move to restore the accountability and discipline that Kelce previously noted had slipped.

While the future Hall of Fame tight end has set a personal deadline of early March to finalize his retirement decision, his vocal support for the new coaching hire suggests that he may not be quite ready to hang up the cleats.

If Bieniemy is truly back in the building, it may be that #87 will be right there with him – not wanting to finish on the disappointment of the Chiefs first miss playoffs in a decade.

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However, if Kelce does decide to hang up the cleats for good, he won’t be out of work for long. The star tight end has long shown he’s comfortable in front of the camera and seemingly made for television.

Taking cues from Tom Brady’s record-breaking broadcasting ventures and his brother Jason’s success in media, Kelce is already positioned for a lucrative second career.

With a $100 million podcast deal in place and successful forays into game-show hosting and acting, his “second act” could easily command a salary exceeding $20 million a year.

Retirement, then, wouldn’t mean stepping away from the spotlight, but rather a shift in stage.

Whether occupying the No. 1 seat in a broadcast booth or expanding his presence in Hollywood, the sky is the limit for Kelce.

His impact on the game and global pop culture is only just beginning.

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