Commanders HC Ron Rivera clarifies Eric Bieniemy comments

The two-time AP Coach of the Year made headlines this week when he said that some Commanders players were struggling to adapt to Bieniemy's intense coaching style. The former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator responded by saying "We've all got to get uncomfortable to get comfortable" and "It's not gonna be easy, and everybody ain't gonna like the process. But when it's all said and done with, my job is to make sure that we're doing it the right way."

Bieniemy spent five years as the Chiefs offensive coordinator from 2018-2022, working with head coach Andy Reid and helping the franchise win two Super Bowls. Despite being one of the most popular names to potentially fill head-coaching vacancies, Bieniemy was tabbed as Washington's offensive coordinator and assistant head coach in February.

The 53-year-old is looking to help turn around a Commanders offense that ranked 20th in total offense and 24th in scoring last season at 18.9 points per game.

One of Bieniemy's jobs this summer will be to help the team choose between 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell and free-agency signing Jacoby Brissett as the starting quarterback. Among the best offensive weapons that the selected signal-caller will have to work with are second year running back Brian Robinson Jr., 2022 first-round pick Jahan Dotson and Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

A host of former Washington and/or Kansas City players came out in defense of Bieniemy in the wake of Tuesday's comments, including retired running backs Brian Mitchell and Jamaal Charles, as well as All-Pro wide receiver Tyreek Hill.