Eric

Bieniemy

Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger was the first to report the story. The former Chiefs offensive coordinator has now gone one-and-done in back-to-back seasons with the Commanders (2023) and UCLA Bruins (2024). Things never clicked for Bieniemy at UCLA, as his offense ranked 126th among 134 FBS schools in points per game (18.4), and 117th in offensive yards per game (328.8). Once a popular name in NFL coaching cycles, it’s safe to say the shine has worn off Bieniemy over the last two years. He’ll likely draw interest from NFL clubs next offseason, but the two-time Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator may not be in charge of offensive play-calling at his next landing spot.

Bieniemy didn’t get into detail about what he was offered to do with the Commanders if he were to remain on staff, but the former offensive coordinator of the Commanders and Chiefs is now set to take his talents to the college game after accepting a job as UCLA’s associate head coach/offensive coordinator. Bieniemy also noted that he “had countless conversations and interviews with many teams” after he and the Commanders parted ways, which loosely confirms earlier reports from Adam Schefter, who said earlier this month that “a few teams” interview Bieniemy for their offensive coordinator vacancies. Bieniemy has familiarity with the college game, and last served as Colorado’s offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2012. How long he remains with UCLA could be dependent whether or not the NFL comes calling next offseason.

Per Thamel, new, first-time Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster wants to run an NFL system and was seeking a “splash hire.” Bieniemy is certainly that, though it’s stunning he couldn’t generate continued NFL interest after his one-year stint in Washington. Perceived as pass-happy and “old school” in his demeanor, Bieniemy has evidently worn out his NFL welcome for the time being. He has long been connected to college openings, but always as a head coach. It’s quite possible Bieniemy’s return to the college sidelines — he previously worked for UCLA and Colorado — is a one-year sojourn before returning to the pros.

The only team Schefter specifically named as one who spoke with Bieniemy was the Seahawks, who ultimately decided to hire Ryan Grubb for the role. Bieniemy is free to sign with any team interested in his services and spent some time with the Chiefs leading up to the Super Bowl. A reunion with the Chiefs in some capacity feels like the most likely scenario for Bieniemy as far as next season is concerned, but Matt Nagy is currently in place as the team’s offensive coordinator. With no offensive coordinator jobs currently available, it’s possible Bieniemy serves in more of an advisory role with a team next year.

Bieniemy made a lateral move from Kansas City to Washington last offseason to serve as the Commanders’ offensive coordinator. A popular name in head coaching cycles since helping lead the Chiefs to the Super Bowl in 2018, Bieniemy never landed a head coaching gig, with his largest criticism being his lack of play-calling experience — something he and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid both disputed on multiple occasions. Regardless, Bieniemy was the unquestioned play-caller of Washington’s offense in 2023, forced to make the most out of former fifth-round pick Sam Howell. Under Bieniemy, the Commanders ranked 24th in yards per game and 25th in points per game while committing to the pass at a rate few could have anticipated. He’ll face an uphill battle to land an offensive coordinator role in 2024, as there are only four OC vacancies at this time. Of course, a return to the Chiefs remains possible, as their offense took a noticeable step back in the regular season after his departure.

Bieniemy sat down with team owner Josh Harris and new general manager Adam Peters to discuss Washington’s head coaching opening. The team fired Ron Rivera last week and has interest in Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who could have his pick of head coaching gigs this month. Bieniemy’s first season as Commanders OC was rocky, at best, with Sam Howell proving he is not an NFL starter. Washington was among the pass heaviest teams in the league. Bieniemy has been discussed as an NFL head coaching candidate for many years now. He could finally get his shot in Washington.

Head coach Matt Eberflus is “under evaluation” with the Bears over the season’s final month, per Anderson. The team is looking into Bieniemy — among others — as a head coach candidate in 2024. Without a strong finish to the season, Eberflus is almost certainly out shortly after the regular season concludes. Eberflus is 7-22 as Chicago’s head coach since the start of the 2022 season. Bieniemy could be a tough get for the Bears if the Commanders move on from head coach Ron Rivera and offer Bieniemy the top spot.

Newcomer offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has made an immediate impact on his players through organized team activities. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin said, “He’s going to bring the intensity. We know what is expected of us every time we’re on the field.” Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen added, “You can’t help but notice. I love that style of coaching.” Bieniemy’s continued emphasis on execution, effort, and focus has been present since he first stepped into the building, evident in everything from meetings to the practice field. It remains to be seen how Washington’s offense will fair with so many changes, including Bieniemy and presumed starting quarterback Sam Howell, but the team appears to be headed in the right direction. Bieniemy should do well in extracting performance from the elite talent on the roster including McLaurin, Dotson, Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson, Curtis Samuel, and Logan Thomas.

The hire comes with the title of assistant head coach for the longtime Chiefs coordinator. Bieniemy will be a first-time playcaller in Washington after not calling plays under Andy Reid. The ex-Chiefs coordinator coached year-to-year in Kansas City. Leaving the Chiefs for a multi-year deal gives Bieniemy security and a buyout option with the sale of the team expected in 2023. Washington has the receivers to fit what Bieniemy did in Kansas City and a roster that’s ready to win now, setting up Bieniemy to get his head coaching shot if he can turn around the offense.

This echoes a report from earlier in the day but also gives us more specifics about the timing. Keim notes a deal could be done as soon as later today. Bieniemy interviewed with Washington twice and is one of just a few candidates the team has shown interest in. He has been at the head of one of the league’s best offenses for five years. His quarterback has two MVPs and the Chiefs have a pair of Super Bowls in that span. He has received numerous interviews for head coaching gigs while in Kansas City, but none have materialized into an offer. If Bieniemy turns Washington’s offense around, he should get his shot at a head coaching job soon.