It’s no secret – Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy wants a head coaching gig in the NFL. Since taking over as OC in Kansas City back in 2018, Bieniemy has interviewed for at least 12 head coaching vacancies.
But now, with every head coaching job filled this cycle, it appears likely he’ll have to wait at least another year to make the next forward step in his coaching career.
Bieniemy’s contract with the Chiefs expires this offseason. While it’s certainly possible he and the Kansas City franchise come to an agreement on a new deal, there’s some smoke around the longtime Chiefs’ OC making a lateral move over to one NFC club.
According to multiple reports this Thursday, Bieniemy met with the Commanders for dinner yesterday and is expected to interview for their open offensive coordinator position later today.
According to NFL insider Jonathan Jones, the Washington franchise “wants this wrapped up soon.” He notes that Bieniemy is “an exceptionally strong candidate for the position.”
Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy met with the Commanders last night for dinner, per source. The formal interview for their OC position is taking place today. Belief is Washington wants this wrapped up soon. He’s an exceptionally strong candidate for the position.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) February 16, 2023
Another NFL insider, Jordan Schultz, went a step further. In a tweet this Thursday morning, he claimed, “My understanding: Ron Rivera/#Commanders have high hopes that Eric Bieniemy is their guy.” Should Bieniemy land in Washington, a team marred with offensive inconsistencies in 2022, and turn things around, that might just be what’s needed to finally secure him the opportunity for the next big promotion.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith seems to believe so as well, saying yesterday, “Andy Reid has cost Eric Bieniemy a head coaching job in the National Football League…
My understanding: Ron Rivera/#Commanders have high hopes that Eric Bieniemy is their guy. League source told me yesterday they’d have dinner Wednesday and then get EB in the facility today. Highlighted his ability to cultivate relationships w/players (eg Mahomes) as invaluable.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 16, 2023
Andy Reid not only called some plays, he made sure we knew he called plays, the NFL community knew he called plays.” If Bieniemy is truly the Commanders’ guy, expect an update about today’s interview sooner rather than later.