The Washington Commanders interviewed assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for the team’s head coach vacancy this past week.
According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Bieniemy met with team owner Josh Harris and new general manager Adam Peters. Bieniemy gave an “excellent” and “highly detailed” approach.
Bieniemy once was a hot name in head coaching hiring cycles throughout the years while he was the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs. However, teams passed on him despite having one of the league’s best offenses and winning two Super Bowls. After ten seasons on the Chiefs coaching staff under Andy Reid, Bieniemy joined the Commanders last February under head coach Ron Rivera.
Washington finished the season with a 4-13 record. On Jan. 8, Rivera was fired by Harris.
Bieniemy bet on himself coaching through a year away from the shadows of Reid and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Despite as many as eight head coach vacancies this offseason, Bieniemy hadn’t garnered much interest up to this point.
The Commanders’ interview changes the perception surrounding Eric Bieniemy. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk described Bieneimy as a “viable” candidate for Washington’s head coach.
Throughout the season, fans and some media of Washington have speculated the desire of Bieniemy to succeed Rivera. Interest remains for some, but Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald have emerged as more intriguing options.
Bieniemty’s coaching style has drawn debate recently, including former Chiefs players like LeSean McCoy. Just before the season, Rivera acknowledged some Commanders’ offensive players struggled with Bieniemy’s style.
His resume is impeccable. His emphasis on accountability has also gotten praise. Nonetheless, Bieniemy’s name appears in the hat of choices for Peters and Harris as they move the Commanders in a new direction.
