A major hurdle has cleared for the Washington Commanders to pursue their interest in Eric Bieniemy for their offensive coordinator vacancy. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts are targeting Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen to become their next head coach.
Bieniemy, the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, was a candidate and interviewed for the Colts’ position. However, the Colts have informed Bieniemy and other candidates they are focused on Steichen. Coincidentally Bieniemy and Steichen will be on opposite sidelines during Sunday’s Super Bowl LVII.
The Commanders have put their search for an offensive coordinator on hold for the possibility of interviewing Bieniemy. Bieniemy is considered a favorite for the position. They will wait until after the Super Bowl to talk to him. Schefter reports the Commanders could meet with Bieniemy this week.
While the Colts are scratched off the list, the Commanders still face competition for Bieniemy. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Bieniemy expects to talk to the Baltimore Ravens for their offensive coordinator position.
The Ravens also want to talk to Eagles quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson. But Johnson may likely get elevated to Philadelphia’s offensive coordinator to replace Steichen.
Additionally, Bieneimy’s agent, Jason Fletcher, told Pro Football Talk that Bieniemy also has an option to become the Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator, depending on who becomes the team’s head coach.
New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka is a candidate for the Cardinals head coach position. Kafka spent time as the Chiefs’ quarterbacks coach. He was once considered the heir-apparent to replace Bieniemy as the Chiefs offensive coordinator had Bieniemy gotten a head coach position in previous hiring cycles.
The Commanders have interviewed six other candidates. The list has included Pat Shurmur, Ken Zampese, Charles London, Eric Studesville, Thomas Brown, and Anthony Lynn. London has already taken a pass game coordinator position with the Tennessee Titans. Brown is interviewing for other teams’ offensive coordinator positions.
But the Commanders are waiting to see what’s with Bieniemy. After five seasons in Kansas City, Bieniemy may be ready to move on from under the shadows of head coach Andy Reid. But the Ravens and Cardinals will present more stability and better quarterback options in Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray long-term. Washington will start the offseason with Sam Howell at quarterback.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera could be coaching for his job next season. He will have to give a great pitch to land Bieniemy from the grasp of the Chiefs and pursuit of the Ravens and possibly Cardinals.
