Sources told on Friday that the Washington Commanders have agreed to hire Eric Bieniemy as the team’s new offensive coordinator and assistant head coach, confirming previous reports.
A source says, the parties came to an agreement on a two-year contract that includes a pay raise as well as a “promotion in title, contractual structure.”
According to sources, Bieniemy spoke with the remaining assistants on Friday and will do so on Saturday. It is anticipated that he will attend the opening news conference next week in Washington.
Over the course of the previous five seasons, Bieniemy served as the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, supervising an offense that led to two Super Bowl victories, one of which occurred this past weekend.
However, he was not coach Andy Reid’s primary playcaller. Bieniemy will call plays and control the offense entirely in Washington.
After three seasons, Scott Turner was let go on January 10 and replaced by Bieniemy. Washington ranked 28th in points per game and 27th in yards per game over those three seasons. The Commanders finished 26th in points and 20th in yards last season.
Ron Rivera, Washington’s head coach, will enter a crucial fourth season. In his first three seasons, the Commanders went 22-27-1 and won the NFC East with a 7-9 record in 2020. It is likely that the Commanders would require a strong season in order for the staff to continue given that the franchise is up for sale.
Over the past four offseasons, Bieniemy has interviewed for a number of head coaching positions without receiving any offers. He applied for the Indianapolis Colts’ head coaching position this year, but Shane Steichen got the job.
Before the Super Bowl, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said, “It’s so past deserved.” He has carried out everything correctly. He’s been a part of this offense and team for a long time, holds everyone accountable, and comes up with new plays for us. It’s been great for us, but I don’t know why he hasn’t been hired.
Tennessee also expressed interest in hiring Bieniemy as offensive coordinator, but the Titans never conducted an interview with him and instead hired Tim Kelly.
The Chiefs did not have a contract with Bieniemy for 2023.
Reid told reporters the day after the Chiefs’ 38-35 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, “Eric Bieniemy has been tremendous for us, and I think he’s tremendous for the National Football League.” I hope he gets a chance to do what he wants, where he can run the show and play Eric Bieniemy.
From 2013 to 2017, Bieniemy was Kansas City’s running backs coach. He also worked for the Vikings as an assistant head coach for one year and as the running backs coach for five years. From 2011 to 2012, he was Colorado’s offensive coordinator.
He spent ten NFL seasons with the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles.