Eric Bieniemy Seemingly Bleak Job Prospects May Lead Him Back To Great Opportunity

LAS VEGAS – It's been a disappointing time for Eric Bieniemy lately because … he didn't get hired to be the Washington Commanders head coach after interviewing for the job and then got fired as the team's offensive coordinator by new coach Dan Quinn.

Two Ls in one fell swoop.

But there might be an off-ramp for Bieniemy to take from the unemployment highway.

Back to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Bieniemy Remains Close To Chiefs

Bieniemy has been in contact with the Chiefs and coach Andy Reid in the past couple of weeks, and it is not a stretch he may be able to return to the team he coached for from 2013-2022 as the running backs coach and then the offensive coordinator.

"He actually came in, talked to our team before our last game, so, yeah," Reid said, Wednesday, confirming he's had opportunities to speak with Bieniemy lately. "He talked to the offensive guys. Hung out with us in our meetings. So I have had a chance to talk to him."

Bieniemy visiting with his old team was natural since it was in Baltimore playing the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, and he obviously lives close by after spending the past year working for the Commanders.

But the issue isn't where Bieniemy lives now. It's about where he's going to be later this year. If anywhere.

Because on the face of it, his career prospects look to have taken a mighty fall of late.

Bieniemy Gamble To Commanders Failed

One must understand Bieniemy went from being the offensive coordinator of the Chiefs and working with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is very likely the best in the NFL, to being a hot head coaching candidate.

Bieniemy, by some accounts, has been interviewed by over a dozen NFL teams for their vacant head coach job in recent years. And he hasn't gotten picked for any of them. But he was obviously in the running.

This past year, in an effort to try improving his resume, Bieniemy left the Chiefs to become the Commanders' assistant head coach and offensive coordinator.

The move, controversial within Bieniemy's group of advisors, was meant to show potential future employers Bieniemy could be successful away from Reid's imposing shadow. That he could be successful running his own offense.

The problem is the move was a gamble because Bieniemy went to a team without a Mahomes at quarterback. The Commanders had Sam Howell. 

Bieniemy went to a team that hadn't had a winning season under head coach Ron Rivera. He went to a team who had been sold to new ownership.

Andy Reid doesn't want Eric Bieniemy taking the Denver job. (Credit: Getty Images)

Andy Reid Respects Bieniemy

That uncertain circumstance is the reason Bieniemy's previous representation advised against the move. Bieniemy took the gamble anyway after parting ways with his former reps.

And he lost.

The Commanders won only four games. Howell, predictably, was inconsistent. Rivera was fired. And then Bieniemy was fired by Quinn, who understandably wanted to hire his own offensive coordinator.

So now Bieniemy can either remain out of the league for 2024. Or hope the Chiefs or another club can throw him a lifeline.

Reid still has high regard for Bieniemy.

"I think his coaching future is great," Reid said Wednesday.

It definitely would be great if Bieniemy can return to coaching under the winningest active head coach in the league and working with probably the best quarterback in the league.