Eric Bieniemy focused on Commanders 'challenge,' not chasing HC job

Eric Bieniemy said Thursday he is up for the challenge of his new role as offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders -- and not worrying about his path to a head-coaching job someday.

The Commanders introduced Bieniemy at team headquarters after officially hiring the longtime Kansas City Chiefs coordinator to the same role earlier this week.

"Being a head coach right now is not in my thought process," Bieniemy said at his news conference. "What I'm focused on is being the best coach today. Everything else will take care of itself. I live in the moment. Right now my feet are planted here."

Bieniemy, who won two Super Bowls while with Kansas City's staff, also was given the title of assistant head coach in Washington. His hiring came after he interviewed for 15 NFL teams' head-coaching vacancies (including the New York Jets twice) in recent years and was consistently passed over.

His job projects to be more difficult in Washington, where untested Sam Howell is the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart entering the offseason, than in Kansas City with the likes of Patrick Mahomes.

But when asked why he liked Washington, he replied, "Why not Washington?"

"Look at all the talent," Bieniemy said after motioning to players like wide receiver Terry McLaurin and running backs Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson seated in the front row. "I'm excited about this opportunity. I have no doubt about what they're building here. I have never backed down from a challenge."

Bieniemy's contract with the Chiefs was up after the 2022 season, which culminated in their victory in Super Bowl LVII over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Whereas coach Andy Reid handled most of the play-calling in Kansas City, Bieniemy will have that responsibility in Washington, along with filling out his staff.

"We've had a great deal of success (in Kansas City). I was blessed and fortunate to have that opportunity and share that space with some amazing people," Bieniemy said. "But one thing in this profession, you learn that comfort is the enemy of progress. So, when it's all said and done with, I don't like being comfortable. I'm about accepting challenges and moving forward."

Bieniemy replaces Scott Turner, whom Washington fired in January.