Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been one of the most talked-about NFL coaching candidates for the 2021 hiring cycle. While many are very high on Bieniemy, however, the sentiment reportedly isn’t shared across the NFL.
A year after Bieniemy just missed out on several head coach openings, the 51-year-old coordinator stands a great shot of being hired in 2021. While there’s a lot to like about his resume, some NFL teams seem to have concerns with a few on- and off-field issues that will be red flags during the hiring process.
For many years, NFL teams in need of a head coach have targeted assistants from the Andy Reid coaching tree. The Philadelphia Eagles hired Doug Pederson (Chiefs offensive coordinator from 2013-15) and the Chicago Bears hired Matt Nagy (Kansas City’s OC from 2016-17). Now, there’s a strong chance Bieniemy becomes the next to make the transition.
Bieniemy interviewed with the Cleveland Browns this past offseason, ultimately losing out on the job to Kevin Stefanski. While he immediately became a popular name for the 2021 coaching cycle, there are reportedly concerns with his resume.
According to Pro Football Network’s Benjamin Allbright, Bieniemy’s legal troubles in his past "will give teams pause in evaluating his character." His poor interviews this past offseason and the fact that he isn’t really serving as Kansas City’s play-caller are also concerning.
As detailed by John Sheeran of SB Nation’s Cincy Jungle, Bieniemy does have a history of off-field issues ranging from his playing days to his time as a coaching assistant. He pleaded no contest to a charge as a freshman at Colorado for his involvement in a fight at a bar when he was called a racial slur.
In 1991, Bieniemy’s license was suspended for a year following repeated infractions. He later received an on-campus ban from the University of Colorado for harassing and assaulting a parking lot attendant. In addition, he was arrested for DUI in 2001. Bieniemy also worked on Colorado’s coaching staff when the program had multiple players facing rape allegations.
Since making the jump to the NFL as Kansas City’s running backs coach (2013-17), Bieniemy hasn’t found any legal trouble. He seemingly has turned a corner in his life and learned from his mistakes, but NFL teams will still do extensive background and interviews to gauge his character.
Pro Football Network previously reported that Bieniemy’s past head coaching interviews with teams didn’t go well. It hurt him during the evaluation process and led to other candidates landing the job. For him to become an NFL head coach, it will be crucial for him to sell teams on himself as a person and a play-caller.
Lastly, NFL teams are aware that Reid is calling a majority of the plays in Kansas City. So, there is more risk in betting on a coach who last called plays for a pedestrian Colorado Buffaloes offense in 2011-12.
There are clearly some issues that Bieniemy must address with clubs before landing a job. With that said, he carries a strong endorsement from Reid, and Patrick Mahomes has also raved about him. When one of the NFL’s greatest coaches and its best player both sing your praises, NFL teams will take notice.
Given the number of jobs that will be available in 2021, it would be stunning if Bieniemy isn’t hired as a head coach this offseason. If he lands with the right team, potentially being paired with a star quarterback like Deshaun Watson, great things could happen.
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