The Washington Commanders have conducted five interviews for its offensive coordinator vacancy. Yet, the Commanders have not made a hire for one reason: Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Commanders have requested permission to interview the long-time Andy Reid understudy.
However, Washington may have competition, as the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans have also requested to interview Bieniemy. The Jets made a request but hired Nathaniel Hackett last week.
Bieniemy expects to be a free agent after the 2022-23 season. He signed a one-year deal last February with Kansas City after missing out on the head coach hiring cycle.
Bieniemy has been with Kansas City since 2013. But he has been the offensive coordinator since 2018. The Chiefs have finished in the top six in offensive yards and points each season with Bieniemy as the offensive coordinator.
During that time, Kansas City has reached two Super Bowls, winning one. His success has coincided with the arrival of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. But, Bieniemy’s best work may have come this season, as the Chiefs offense finished the regular season first in yards and scoring. That’s despite losing top wide receiver Tyreek Hill in a trade with the Miami Dolphins.
Yet, Eric Bieniemy has a perceived stigma hanging over him. One of many possible factors why he has not received a head coaching position in the league. Under Reid, Bieniemy doesn’t call plays, and the Chiefs’ offense is not exclusively his.
In Washington or elsewhere, Bieniemy would get the opportunity to design his own offense and call plays. Those are perks that would lend him want to leave a comfortable position with the Chiefs for the Commanders. It’s an intriguing challenge for him regardless of Washington’s uncertainty heading into 2023.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera will enter his fourth season. Washington has not had a winning season under Rivera. The team also may be potentially sold this year. The ownership change could put Rivera and his coaching staff on the hot seat.
The Commanders have interviewed Pat Shurmur, Ken Zampese, Thomas Brown, Charles London, and Eric Studesville. Washington has also sought permission to interview San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach and running back coach Anthony Lynn.
With the need to win next season, Rivera is seeking to hinge his Washington tenure on a coordinator he is comfortable pairing. Rivera is close with Ried from his time as an assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles. That closeness has opened the door to the idea of Bieniemy to Washington.
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