Mia Bieniemy: The Private Life of Eric Bieniemy’s Wife

Mia Bieniemy, born October 28, 1968, is the wife of NFL coach Eric Bieniemy. She maintains a private life while supporting her husband’s football career and caring for their two sons—Eric III, who has cerebral palsy, and Elijah. Unlike many NFL coaches’ wives, Mia avoids social media and public appearances.

Who is Mia Bieniemy?

Mia Bieniemy was born Mia Tonae Maxie on October 28, 1968, making her 56 years old. She grew up during a transformative period in American history, though specific details about her early life remain undisclosed.

Mia values privacy above all else and does not have social media accounts. While her husband commands attention on NFL sidelines, she built a deliberate barrier between her family and public scrutiny. This approach sets her apart in a world where many coaches’ spouses maintain active online presences.

Her choice reflects a practical strategy. By avoiding digital platforms, she maintains a low profile, focusing on privacy, parenthood, and quiet resilience. This lifestyle protects her sons and provides stability amid the constant movement of professional football.

Marriage to Eric Bieniemy

The couple tied the knot in the mid-1990s at the height of Eric’s NFL playing career in 1994. Their wedding remained private, with no public announcements or media coverage. This pattern of discretion has continued throughout their three decades together.

Eric Bieniemy played in the NFL from 1991 to 1999 with teams including the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles. When Eric traded cleats for clipboards, Mia traded stadium buzz for bedtime routines. She transitioned from NFL player’s wife to coach’s wife, a shift that brought new challenges and responsibilities.

Their relationship has endured constant geographic changes. From San Diego to Kansas City, she turned houses into homes. Eric’s coaching career took them to Colorado, UCLA, Minnesota, Kansas City, Washington, back to UCLA, and most recently, Chicago. Each move required Mia to uproot the family while maintaining stability for their sons.

The marriage faced a unique test during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2020 NFL season, Bieniemy chose to stay in hotels to avoid exposing Eric III to COVID-19 because his situation made him a high-risk individual. This separation lasted months, with Mia managing the household alone while Eric isolated to protect their vulnerable son.

Raising Two Sons

Mia and Eric have two sons who represent different paths. Their younger son, Elijah, followed his father’s athletic footsteps. Elijah played varsity football and wrestling at Olathe Northwest High in Kansas, from where he graduated in 2017. Elijah, born in March 1999, is a member of the track and field team at Olathe Northwest High School in Olathe, Kansas.

Eric told reporters he intentionally avoided coaching his son to preserve their father-son relationship. This decision reflected the family’s priorities—maintaining healthy bonds over professional advancement.

Life as a Special Needs Caregiver

Their older son, Eric III, faces the daily challenges of cerebral palsy, requiring wheelchair assistance and constant medical attention. This reality shapes every family decision.

Eric III has cerebral palsy, he is confined to a wheelchair, and he lives and runs their home. The coach describes his son’s central role with humor and pride. “He runs the house,” Bieniemy said with a laugh. “And he will continue to run the house. He’s the heart and soul and the nucleus of our family. He’s the one who makes us go. When he’s feeling good, we’re feeling good”.

Mia manages the complex logistics of special needs care. She coordinates therapy appointments, medical treatments, and daily routines while supporting Elijah’s activities. She manages his medical appointments and therapy sessions, making sure he has everything he needs.

Eric III graduated from high school in 2018; his parents are looking for adult care options. This milestone marked a new chapter in caregiving, requiring the family to plan for long-term support as their son entered adulthood.

Career decisions factor in Eric III’s needs. When considering the UCLA running backs coach position in 2003, part of the school’s recruitment pitch included access to their Orthopaedic Hospital Center for Cerebral Palsy. Geography matters when your child requires specialized medical care.

Supporting Eric’s Coaching Career

Eric Bieniemy is a running back coach for the Chicago Bears, working under head coach Ben Johnson. He joined the Bears in early 2025, months after leaving UCLA, where he served as offensive coordinator for one season.

His career trajectory includes notable achievements. As offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2018 to 2022, Eric helped the team win two Super Bowl championships. Despite these successes, he faced repeated disappointments in pursuing head coaching positions, interviewing with multiple NFL teams without securing the role.

Throughout these professional ups and downs, Mia provided consistent support. Eric’s coaching highs (like the Chiefs’ top-ranked offense) and lows (UCLA’s 2024 scoring struggles) never shook her focus. She understands the volatile nature of coaching careers and maintains stability regardless of external circumstances.

The NFL coaching lifestyle demands sacrifice. Long hours during the season, constant travel, and job insecurity create stress. Being married to an NFL coach is not easy. Eric’s job means long hours and travel, but Mia stays strong. She compensates by managing the home front, ensuring their sons receive attention even when their father’s schedule keeps him away.

Public Appearances and Privacy Choices

Eric and Mia made a rare joint public outing in June 2023 when they walked the red carpet during the Super Bowl Championship Ring Ceremony in Kansas City, Missouri. These appearances remain exceptional rather than routine.

She does not have social media accounts and rarely appears in interviews. However, she is often seen supporting Eric at key NFL games and events. This selective visibility demonstrates her commitment without compromising family privacy.

Her approach contrasts sharply with contemporary trends. Many NFL spouses build personal brands through social media, sharing family moments and building followings. Mia rejects this path entirely, recognizing that public exposure creates vulnerabilities her family cannot afford.

Financial Status

Eric Bieniemy’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million as of 2023, reflecting his successful tenure in the NFL as both a player and a coach. The family’s financial situation stems entirely from Eric’s football career, as Mia focuses on caregiving and household management rather than outside employment.

Their lifestyle reflects practical values over flashy displays. Despite Eric’s prominent position in professional football, the family avoids the excessive spending sometimes associated with sports figures. Their priorities center on Eric III’s medical needs, family stability, and building long-term security.

FAQs

How long have Mia and Eric Bieniemy been married?

The couple married in 1994 and has been together for over 30 years.

Does Mia Bieniemy have social media?

No, she maintains no social media presence and values privacy.

How many children do Mia and Eric have?

They have two sons: Eric III, who has cerebral palsy, and Elijah.

What does Mia Bieniemy do for a living?

She focuses on caregiving for her son with special needs and managing family life.

Where does the Bieniemy family currently live?

They recently relocated to Chicago following Eric’s 2025 appointment with the Bears.