Eric Bieniemy: Future Washington Commanders Head Coach?
Even before the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, Kansas City offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s name was being floated for coordinator vacancies around the league. This is nothing new. Since he became offensive coordinator in 2018, Kansas City’s offense has consistently been one of the most explosive units in the league, and it seems like his name inevitably comes up whenever a coaching position becomes available. Inexplicably, no team has poached Bieniemy from the Chiefs, always opting for another candidate over him.
Now, reports are surfacing that the Washington Commanders are looking to interview Eric Bieniemy for their open OC position. I’ve got something better in mind. Washington should hire Bieniemy as their next head coach.
Bieniemy’s contract is up, hence the increased chatter that he might look to continue his career elsewhere. It’s entirely possible he returns to Kansas City as the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL. With their run of success, it would be a perfectly reasonable move. However, if a head coaching job is offered, you have to think he at least considers it. Bieniemy recently said he hasn’t interviewed for any OC positions, only the Colts’ head coaching job. Indianapolis hiring Shane Steichen as their next head coach eliminates that possibility and paves the way for Washington.
It really seems like an excellent idea. We’ve seen other Andy Reid disciples have success. John Harbaugh has a Super Bowl. Sean McDermott’s Bills are one of the best teams in the AFC. Doug Pederson won a Super Bowl with the Eagles and appears to have righted Trevor Lawrence after the disastrous Urban Meyer tenure. Ron Rivera, from the Reid tree himself, reached a Super Bowl. However, his time in Washington has run its course, most clearly demonstrated in his mishandling of the quarterback situation to end the Commanders’ season. It’s a no-brainer to replace him with an offensive mind from the Reid coaching tree. That’s the type of scheme that gets results in today’s NFL.
You’ve Got a Friend in Bieniemy
To be honest, it’s surprising Bieniemy isn’t a head coach already. Every season under his watch, Kansas City has finished first or second in yards per play and sixth or better in points per game. Yes, some of that can be attributed to having Patrick freaking Mahomes, so there’s some “chicken or the egg” going on here, but the numbers are undeniable. Bieniemy at least played some part in developing Mahomes, who was an extremely raw prospect, into the quarterback he is now.
Some things have to happen to set this in motion. Washington owner Dan Snyder needs to complete the process of selling the franchise. New ownership will most likely clean house, ousting Ron Rivera and opening the job. Enter Eric Bieniemy. It’s honestly a great plan.
Andy Reid gave his blessing to Eric Bieniemy after the Super Bowl:
“Eric Bieniemy has been tremendous for us and I think tremendous for the National Football League. I’m hoping he has an opportunity to go somewhere and do his thing where he can run the show and be Eric Bieniemy.”
Not everyone is as supportive of Bieniemy. Some claim it’s really Andy Reid’s offense and he’s just along for the ride. LeSean McCoy said Bieniemy hasn’t been hired as a head coach because of his abrasive coaching style. Regardless, Washington should take a shot on him. It’s been a while since they made a personnel move that inspired confidence, and bringing on Eric Bieniemy would at least be an earnest attempt to escape perpetual mediocrity.
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