Commanders set to make Eric Bieniemy assistant HC, offensive coordinator

The Washington Commanders and Eric Bieniemy agreed to terms for a multi-year deal that would make Bieniemy the team’s assistant head coach and offensive coordinator, Bieniemy’s agent, Jason Fletcher, told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Bieniemy leaves the Kansas City Chiefs after ten seasons, the last five as offensive coordinator under head coach Andy Reid. The Chiefs wanted Bieniemy back. However, Bieniemy gets an upgraded title and a chance to build his own staff in Washington under head coach Ron Rivera.

The deal with Washington is Bieniemy’s first multi-year deal as an NFL coordinator, according to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson.

Eric Bieniemy gets to run his own show in Washington

The Chiefs’ offense has ranked no lower than sixth in the five seasons with Bieniemy as coordinator. Kansas City reached the AFC Championship Game in all five seasons, reaching three Super Bowls and winning two, including last week’s Super Bowl LVII.

Despite Bieniemy’s brilliance, he was not the primary play-caller for the offense. Head coach Andy Reid was, and Reid had a significant imprint on the team’s game plan. Bieniemy’s success also is tied to two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Those are two large factors that some pundits contribute to Bieniemy getting passed by in recent head coach hiring cycles. With Washington, Bieniemy gets a chance to prove himself on his own stage.

The Commanders started their search for an offensive coordinator last month after firing Scott Turner. The team interviewed seven other candidates, including Greg Roman, Anthony Lynn, and Pat Shurmur. Yet, Rivera had his sights on Bieniemy.

Washington paused its search to wait for Bieniemy’s availability after the Super Bowl. The team interviewed him on Thursday. He stayed in town overnight and spent Friday meeting with assistants on Washington’s staff, per ESPN’s John Keim. He will continue to do so Saturday.

What Washington has to offer on offense?

Eric Bieniemy takes over a Washington offense that features several key skill position players. Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson lead a talented wide receivers group. The Commanders have a dynamic running back duo in Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson.

But the challenge for Bieniemy will be at quarterback. He’ll go from Mahomes, the best QB in the NFL, to an unproven Sam Howell. The Commanders drafted Howell in the fifth round last year. Howell spent most of his rookie season third on the depth chart behind Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke.

Howell made his NFL debut, starting the Commanders’ season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders had already gotten eliminated from playoff contention. Howell threw a touchdown and ran for another in a 26-6 win.

Rivera confirmed that Howell will enter the offseason program as Washington’s starting quarterback. The Commanders expect to release Wentz after just one season in Washington. Heinicke is a free agent and looking to be a starter.