KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes wasn’t the only one loudly celebrating touchdowns during Thursday’s organized team activities practice open to reporters.After Mahomes’ second TD strike to receiver Xavier Worthy, a voice boomed from behind the line of scrimmage.“Let’s go!” Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy screamed from his vantage point behind the play, loud enough that reporters across the field could hear him.It was far from the only sign that Bieniemy had returned to Chiefs practices after a three-year hiatus.The Chiefs’ running backs, on passing drills, finished every snap by running all the way to the far end zone — most of the time more than 50 yards away. The exercise is meant to reiterate Bieniemy’s constant message to his guys to finish plays the right way.So what does Mahomes think about having that energy back around the Chiefs’ facility?“I love it, man,” Mahomes said. “I truly do.”Mahomes believes there’s a standard that players must practice and play to, and Bieniemy is someone who ensures you reach that level. Bieniemy also isn’t one to play favorites, demanding the same of a superstar player in drills as he does of an undrafted rookie.While Mahomes says most of his teammates haven’t seen the real Bieniemy yet — he typically reaches an even higher level of intensity during training camp — the guys have responded well to his demanding style so far.“Even though it’s hard — there’s hard days — they know why we’re doing it,” Mahomes said. “I think you can see the guys, they want to be great, and they want to be better than we were last year. And so we’ve had a good start to these OTAs.”Mahomes has appreciated having Bieniemy back in the meeting rooms as well. Bieniemy’s confidence comes across in presentations, and Mahomes says that swagger has led to greater focus on the preached details.“It’s been exciting to me,” Mahomes said. “That first meeting had me wanting to run through a brick wall.”Bieniemy isn’t the only noticeable change in practices from a year ago.First-year receivers coach Chad O’Shea continues to be one of the most vocal members of the staff. One example from Thursday was during 11-on-11 drills, when O’Shea saw rookie receiver Cyrus Allen jogging out of the huddle to his position out wide.“C’mon, Cyrus, get lined up!” O’Shea bellowed, loud enough to be heard a practice field away.Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Thursday he appreciates what Bieniemy and O’Shea have brought to the team from an energy standpoint.“You notice it,” Reid said. “I think they love what they’re doing, and they’re not afraid to express that. The players feel it. I think that’s healthy.”Other things stood out from Thursday’s practice, which was open to reporters. Here are a few tidbits:A surprise at right tackleAs Reid noted during his interview session, second-year player Esa Pole rotated in with the first team at right tackle.It’s certainly something that’ll be worth watching in future weeks. The Chiefs’ expected starter at the position is Jaylon Moore, who signed a two-year, $30 million free-agent deal with the team in 2025. His $18.7 million cap charge in 2026 was set to be seventh among all NFL right tackles, according to Over the Cap’s data.Moore, though, was inconsistent last season while splitting 15 games between left and right tackle. He also battled a knee injury late in the year.Pole, a second-year pro and former undrafted free agent out of Washington State, played five games at right tackle for the Chiefs in late 2025. Most of that time came while Moore was sidelined.The 6-foot-7, 319-pound Pole has a unique story, as he didn’t start playing football until junior college. Reid said he was pleased with Pole’s work this offseason.“He looks strong out there,” Reid said. “He’s a smart kid when you really get to know him. He really doesn’t have a ton of experience, but he’s a smart kid, and he gets it. So he’s getting reps in there with the starters and kind of rotating in.”Chiefs wide receiver Jalen Royals is getting more opportunities this spring after dealing with a knee injury last year. (Stephen R. Sylvanie / Imagn Images)Strong start for Jalen RoyalsOne of the highlight plays of seven-on-sevens was Mahomes completing a pass over the middle to receiver Jalen Royals, who plucked the ball out of the air in tight coverage with an all-hands catch.“Great job!” Mahomes yelled to his teammate.It’s an important time for Royals, who sat out most of last season while dealing with a lingering knee injury. The Chiefs selected Royals in the fourth round of the 2025 draft.Reid noted that Royals was getting additional first-team reps in OTAs with teammate Rashee Rice serving a 30-day jail sentence in Texas.“He looks strong out here and is running well, that whole deal,” Reid said of Royals. “It’s great for him — and the quarterbacks — to see what he’s all about on repeated reps.”Secondary highlightsIt’s more difficult for defensive players to stand out during these practices, as most passing drills without a true pass rush favor the offense. The Chiefs’ cornerbacks also spent part of Thursday working on technique, attempting to defend receivers while wearing boxing sparring mitts — accessories seemingly used to put greater focus on their footwork.The secondary still came through with some highlights. First-round rookie Mansoor Delane had an early pass breakup, and he seems to be progressing as expected.Cornerback/safety Chris Roland-Wallace, meanwhile, also knocked down a pass, and we shouldn’t forget about him as a rotation player as the Chiefs solidify their 2026 secondary. The former undrafted free agent played in 11 games for the Chiefs — starting two — before suffering a season-ending back injury last season.