Eric Bieniemy is ‘viable candidate’ for at least 1 head coach job

Jul 27, 2023; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy waves to fans while walking to the fields prior to day two of Commanders training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has not been a hot name on the coaching carousel this offseason, but that may be about to change.

Multiple reports suggested that Bieniemy interviewed for the Commanders head coach job earlier this week. Josina Anderson of CBS Sports said Bieniemy had a “detailed” interview and is seen as a serious candidate.

I’m told the #Commanders interviewed assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for their head coaching job last week, per source. The interview was labeled "detailed" and checked all of the boxes. pic.twitter.com/75h23A6FV5

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 21, 2024

That was backed by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who suggested on NBC’s pregame show that other teams might still look at Bieniemy as well. He said Bieniemy was considered a “viable” candidate for the Washington job, and that the Commanders “might not be the last” to show interest in him.

Bieniemy has shown up a lot as a coaching candidate in past cycles, when he was still the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. At least initially, that has not been the case this year. He was linked to one AFC team earlier in the month, but they have yet to try to interview him.

The Commanders struggled this year for a host of reasons, and Bieniemy’s reputation may have taken a hit after moving to an inferior team in Washington. His star does not seem to have dimmed completely, though, and at the very least, his current employer thinks he is worth a look.