Eric Bieniemy Named New Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator

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Many were considered. But from the moment the Kansas City Chiefs closed out the 2022 season with a Super Bowl victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, it seemed that the Washington Commanders really only had eyes for Eric Bieniemy. Today, he was named both the Offensive Coordinator and the Assistant Head Coach, and so began a new chapter for the Commanders.

Bieniemy agreed to a two-year deal that includes a “promotion in title and contractual structure,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

It also included a pay raise. He was not under contract with the Chiefs for 2023.

He will be introduced at a news conference next week.

Riches To Rags?

The former running back for the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals and Eagles, spent the past five seasons as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator. He helped guide Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and their high octane offense, to two Super Bowls – including the one last weekend.

He joins a Washington team who were 26th in points scored last season, and 20th in yards. A squad that will likely be quarterbacked by second year, 5th round draft pick Sam Howell in 2023.

How’s that for a culture shock?

He joins a Ron Rivera staff that is quite frankly, on the hot seat. They have gone just 22-27-1 combined in the past three seasons.

With new ownership potentially on the horizon, anything could happen.

Head Coach Potential

Bieniemy is definitely a head coach candidate in the NFL. He interviewed for the Indianapolis Colts’ head-coaching spot, but was edged out by Shane Steichen.

He has interviewed for several head coaching jobs over the last four years but has yet to reach the top of the mountain.

He was also reportedly considered for the vacant Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator job.

If Rivera can’t turn things around, would Bieniemy be considered to take over?

Past Experience

After ten seasons in the NFL as a running back, he has now spent over two decades on the sidelines.

After finishing playing as an Eagle in 1999, he joined his alma mater Colorado Buffaloes as their running back coach in 2001. The All American still holds the Buffaloes’ record for both rushing yards (3940) and touchdowns (42) and finished third in Heisman voting during their national championship season in 1990.

He spent two years there before moving to UCLA to coach the Bruins’ running backs. He also returned to Colorado in 2011 to be their offensive coordinator.

Bieniemy spent three seasons at UCLA before finally making the leap to the NFL. He joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2006. There he served as the running backs coach for four years, before being promoted to both RB coach and Assistant Head Coach in 2010.

After heading back to the Buffaloes to guide the offense in 2011 and 2012, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs for what would be a ten year stint.

He took over as their running back coach in 2013 and would hold that spot until 2017. In 2018, he was promoted to Offensive Coordinator where he was for the past five seasons. He may not have had full say over the plays that were called, but he certainly put his stamp on things.

Reid’s Nod

“Eric Bieniemy has been tremendous for us, and I think he’s tremendous for the National Football League,” Andy Reid told reporters following the Chiefs victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII . “I’m hoping he has an opportunity to go somewhere and do his thing, where he can run the show and be Eric Bieniemy.”

That opportunity will be with the Washington Commanders.

Great choice by the franchise.

Go do your thing Eric.

Good luck. And Hail.