ASHBURN, Virginia. (AP) — The Washington Commanders have agreed to hire Eric Bieniemy as their new offensive coordinator and associate head coach, according to several reports.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the parties reached an agreement on a two-year contract that includes a “promotion in title, contractual structure,” and a salary increase.
According to insiders, Bieniemy spent Friday meeting with Washington’s existing aides and will meet with the remainder on Saturday. He’ll be in Washington next week for an introductory press conference.
Bieniemy served as the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive coordinator for the previous five seasons, overseeing an attack that powered two Super Bowl victories, including one last weekend.
Yet, he was not the key playcaller on Andy Reid’s coaching staff. Bieniemy will direct the offence and call plays in Washington.
Bieniemy takes over for Scott Turner, who was let go on January 10 after three seasons. Washington finished 27th in yards per game and 28th in points per game throughout those three years. The Commanders were 20th in yards and 26th in points last season.
Washington’s fourth season under head coach Ron Rivera will be critical. In his first three seasons, the Commanders have gone a combined 22-27-1, winning the NFC East with a 7-9 record in 2020. With the franchise up for sale, the Commanders are going to need a solid season to keep the staff.
Bieniemy has interviewed for many head-coaching positions over the last four offseasons but has yet to get an offer. This year, he interviewed for the head-coaching post with the Indianapolis Colts, but Shane Steichen was hired instead.
“It’s long overdue,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes remarked before to the game. “He did everything correctly. He’s been a part of this offence and squad for a long time, keeps everyone responsible, and comes up with innovative plays for us. I’m not sure why he hasn’t been employed, but it’s worked out well for us.”
Tennessee also expressed interest in Bieniemy for the role of offensive coordinator, but the Titans never interviewed him and instead elevated Tim Kelly.
Bieniemy’s contract with the Chiefs expires in 2023.
“Eric Bieniemy has been wonderful for us, and I believe he’s fantastic for the National Football League,” Reid told reporters the day after the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII, 38-35 against the Philadelphia Eagles. “I’m hoping he can find a place where he can run the show and be Eric Bieniemy.”
From 2013 until 2017, Bieniemy was the head coach of Kansas City’s running backs. He also served as the Vikings’ running backs coach for five years and as an assistant head coach for one. From 2011 to 2012, he was the offensive coordinator at Colorado.
He spent ten seasons in the NFL, including time with the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles.
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