How can the Washington Commanders convince Eric Bieniemy to become their new offensive coordinator in 2023?
It seems as if things might be heating up as the Washington Commanders look for a new offensive coordinator in 2023. With just a few short days until the Super Bowl, it won’t be much longer before the franchise finds out if their quest to land Eric Bieniemy is successful or not.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Commanders remain interested in securing Bieniemy’s services once his commitments with the Kansas City Chiefs conclude. The respected coach has received fewer head coaching requests than usual, so this could be something that interests him if he wants a change of scenery.
Schefter also stated that the Baltimore Ravens are also keeping a close eye on developments. Bieniemy’s earned the right to decide his own future, but Washington could be an intriguing landing spot providing he agrees to interview.
With this in mind, here are three ways the Commanders can convince Bieniemy to become their offensive coordinator in 2023.
Way No. 1
Eric Bieniemy gets full control of Washington Commanders’ offense
One reason why Eric Bieniemy’s accomplishments have a small asterisk attached is the presence of Andy Reid’s input in the Kansas City Chiefs offense. Something the head coach deserves credit for and unwillingly makes people think somewhat differently about his coordinator’s influence working alongside Patrick Mahomes.
If the Washington Commanders want to sweeten the pot for Bieniemy, then giving him complete control of their offensive scheme from top to bottom is a good start. It could take much more than this, but Dan Snyder has deep pockets to ensure money doesn’t become an issue.
Have a leading voice in the next Washington Commanders QB
Sam Howell’s encouraging performance in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys leaves hope more is on the way. But it would be a huge surprise if the Washington Commanders didn’t address the quarterback position as a matter of extreme urgency this offseason.
That’s why it’s vital for the organization to secure an offensive coordinator sooner rather than later. If Eric Bieniemy is the prize, they’d need to provide him with assurances that he can become a leading voice in choosing Washington’s signal-caller of the future.
Convincing Bieniemy to leave working day to day with Patrick Mahomes or even Lamar Jackson if the Baltimore Ravens’ interest is legitimate would be a tough sell. One that doesn’t exactly tip the scales in Washington’s favor.
How can the Commanders do this? By highlighting the importance of his opinion and the chance he’ll get to mold either a veteran or someone from the college ranks into an elite performer.
And who knows, the Commanders may even make a daring move for Jackson themselves if his contract situation isn’t resolved.
Getting Bieniemy into the building is the first big stumbling block. What comes next is down to those in the meeting, but there is enough intriguing talent on offense to work with if the right quarterback is secured this offseason.
The promise of promotion to Washington Commanders HC
Ron Rivera’s done a good job in difficult circumstances since becoming head coach. Aside from his own personal adversity, the experienced leader has had to deal with plenty of comings and goings at the quarterback position to further complicate matters.
Rivera got the Washington Commanders into the postseason in 2021 and almost achieved the same feat before falling short this season. The roster looks well placed to be competitive if a productive signal-caller is required, but the margin for error has decreased heading into Year 3 of his tenure.
If it all goes wrong for Rivera next season, the Commanders might decide to start fresh. And if Eric Bieniemy was on the coaching staff, there’s every chance he could get the promotion he’s been looking for.
While giving Bieniemy a cast-iron guarantee he’d get the job if Rivera cannot live up to his end of the bargain is unlikely, all the coach wants is a fair chance. Something that hasn’t come his way over the last three head coaching cycles for one reason or another.
There are far worse situations for Bieniemy to find himself in. And with Dan Snyder reportedly willing to sell the team in the weeks after the Super Bowl, any new figurehead will do whatever it takes to get this once-proud franchise back among the contenders.