The last few coaching cycles around the NFL have included a popular name in that of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
With only four openings remaining this cycle, that has not necessarily been the case. Sure, Bieniemy has received some interest, but he has not been up there with the likes of Josh McDaniels (Las Vegas Raiders) and Brian Daboll (New York Giants).
That could soon change with one relevant NFL team showing interest in the respected offensive mind. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the New Orleans Saints want to speak with Bieniemy about replacing the recently departed Sean Payton. Fowler notes that an interview could take place over the weekend.
The Chiefs offensive coordinator since 2018, it’s long been expected that Bieniemy would land a head-coaching job around the NFL. In fact, Kansas City head coach Andy Reid spoke to this ahead of the team’s Super Bowl appearance last February when it became clear that Bieniemy was passed over once again.
“You guys know what I think of him ( Bieniemy). I think he’s great. I think he would be great for any number of teams that opened up and help them win football games and also develop men into men. I just think he’s a great person,” Reid said in January 2021, via the Kansas City Star.
Eric Bieniemy as a legitimate candidate to become the next New Orleans Saints’ head coach
Bieniemy, 52, has a resume that speaks for itself. Since taking over as the Chiefs offensive coordinator in 2018, he’s led four top-six offenses, including two that finished No. 1 overall. This unit has also ranked in the top six in scoring each season.
Some might point to the presence of NFL and Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes as the primary reason for this. But the counter to that would be Bieniemy’s presence as one of the main figures helping Mahomes progress under center. This can’t be lost on everything.
Since starting his NFL coaching career as the Minnesota Vikings’ running backs coach (2006-10), Bieniemy has been impressive in the minds of many around the league. The former NFL running back should have a job by now.
Whether that comes to fruition remains to be seen.
New Orleans got a late start on its search for a new head coach once Payton resigned following NFL Wild Card Weekend. Since then, it has been linked to multiple candidates.
Interestingly enough, the Saints view former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores as a top-end candidate. Flores just recently filed a lawsuit against the NFL and several — claiming systemic racism in the head-coaching hiring process. Bieniemy was used as an example of said racism.
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