Chiefs Guard Trey Smith Believes Team Can Turn Things Around

Smith says the Chiefs have a well-established system of success and are eager to get back to work after a down season.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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In an interview with former NFL coach Jon Gruden, Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith discussed the team's mindset heading into the offseason. Smith said the Chiefs have a strong foundation of success that they can build upon, and that offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy will bring intense focus and effort from the players. Smith is excited for the opportunity to prove himself and help the team bounce back from a 6-11 season.

Why it matters

The Chiefs have been one of the NFL's top teams in recent years, making the playoffs in 6 of the last 7 seasons and winning Super Bowl LIV. After a disappointing 6-11 campaign in 2022, the team is eager to get back on track and reclaim their spot among the league's elite. Smith's comments indicate the players are motivated to work hard and return the Chiefs to their winning ways.

The details

In the interview, Smith told Gruden that the Chiefs have a "well-established system of success" that they are determined to get back to. He praised offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's intense coaching style, saying Bieniemy will "push you on that field" and "make you strain" to get the best out of the players. Smith, who is entering his sixth NFL season, is excited for the opportunity to prove himself and help the team improve after last year's struggles.

  • The Chiefs finished the 2022 season with a 6-11 record.
  • Smith signed a four-year, $94 million contract extension with the Chiefs in July 2022.

The players

Trey Smith

A 24-year-old offensive guard for the Kansas City Chiefs who is entering his sixth NFL season.

Eric Bieniemy

The offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his intense coaching style.

Jon Gruden

A former NFL head coach who interviewed Trey Smith for his podcast "Gruden Goes Long."

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

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What they’re saying

“We've had a really well-established system of success and standard that we've had. And obviously we fell short the past couple years. And, you know, I think the exciting part to me is like, man, we can do something about it. We can change it. We turn this around.”

— Trey Smith, Offensive Guard, Kansas City Chiefs (Gruden Goes Long)

“Intensity. Every single day you step on that field, Coach EB is gonna bring it. And he's gonna get the best out you as a player, but also in terms of a person, man, he cares about his players. And that's the cool part about it. He's going to push you on that field. He's going to make you strain.”

— Trey Smith, Offensive Guard, Kansas City Chiefs (Gruden Goes Long)

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to bounce back in the 2023 NFL season after missing the playoffs in 2022. They will have a chance to prove themselves and return to their winning ways under the leadership of head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

The takeaway

Despite a disappointing 2022 season, the Kansas City Chiefs remain confident in their ability to reclaim their status as one of the NFL's top teams. With a strong foundation in place and a renewed sense of intensity under coordinator Eric Bieniemy, the Chiefs are eager to get back on the field and show they can turn things around.