It sounds like a two-team race for Eric Bieniemy if he leaves the Chiefs
When Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera met with the media Wednesday, he openly discussed potentially interviewing Kansas City offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
The Commanders have interviewed six candidates for their vacant offensive coordinator position and plan to wait until after Super Bowl LVIII to speak with Bieniemy before making a decision.
Bieniemy sounds like the clear frontrunner from Washington’s side; however, it’s unclear if Bieniemy feels the same. The Commanders could have some competition for Bieniemy if he decides to leave the Chiefs.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Bieniemy remains a prime candidate for the offensive coordinator positions in Baltimore and Washington.
Chiefs’ OC Eric Bieniemy remains a prime candidate for the offensive coordinator jobs with the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 8, 2023
On the surface, if Bieniemy left Kansas City, the Ravens appear to be the better choice. But that’s assuming Lamar Jackson is your quarterback next season. There is plenty of uncertainty regarding Jackson’s future with the Ravens.
Then there is the matter of the head coaches. John Harbaugh has been Baltimore’s head coach since 2008. That’s the stability that Rivera can’t offer Bieniemy. Washington’s team is for sale, and Rivera is entering the fourth year of his contract in 2024 and has yet to have a winning season.
Much has been made of Rivera’s relationship with Andy Reid as to why the Commanders could be a potential new home for Bieniemy. Reid is a mentor to Rivera. Interestingly enough, Harbaugh and Rivera were both on Reid’s initial staff with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999. Harbaugh spent nine seasons on Reid’s staff before Baltimore hired him, and Rivera spent five seasons on that staff.
Let’s not forget, Bieniemy interviewed with the Indianapolis Colts for their head-coaching position. While it doesn’t appear that Bieniemy is the leader for that job, he remains in the mix until the Colts hire a coach.
One thing is certain; we should know more about Bieniemy’s coaching future one week from now.
