Eric Bieniemy is a gift the Commanders cannot afford to waste

Eric Bieniemy’s upcoming interview represents a gift that the Washington Commanders cannot afford to waste.

We could be in the endgame as the Washington Commanders finalize their offensive coordinator plans. And the team’s patience might reap a significant reward if everything goes according to plan this week.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Commanders will sit down with Eric Biemiemy on Thursday. This meeting could eventually result in the Kansas City Chiefs coach making a bold switch to Washington if all elements in this equation work for all parties.

Bieniemy was instrumental in the Chiefs picking up another Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles. Although being in Andy Reid’s shadow is something that many believe is the catalyst behind him not becoming a head coach despite multiple interviews over the last few years.

The Commanders must acquire Eric Bieniemy at all costs

This would instantly change if he joins the Commanders. There is enough at the skill positions to work with, so if Bieniemy conjures up his usual magic then it might be enough for one team to take the plunge during the next head coaching cycle.

Obviously, the Commanders need to bolster their offensive line and perhaps bring in competition for quarterback Sam Howell. But the potential for this offense to thrive under Bieniemy’s guidance is evident.

This also represents a gift that Ron Rivera cannot afford to waste. The head coach could be on the hottest seat imaginable if Washington gets new owners in the near future, so genuine progress must be made in 2023 after narrowly missing the playoffs last time around.

If Rivera and Bieniemy hit it off, this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement. One that could give the current head coach some extra time and also provide his potential coordinator with additional credentials to get a top job of his own.

There could be others looking at Bieniemy in case Washington somehow blows this opportunity to land such a coveted offensive mind. Something that could lead them to Greg Roman, who is also experienced but has more questions than answers about his scheme fit with the options at the Commanders’ disposal.

Simply put, the Commanders cannot fumble the bag on this one. Bieniemy is clearly intrigued – otherwise, he’d have turned the approach down – so letting him leave the building without a deal is borderline malpractice.

Fans should be examining this situation with cautious optimism. It could all go horribly wrong, obviously, but there’s just no telling how much better the Commanders’ offense would be if Bieniemy was leading the charge.

Reid all but conceded the time for Bieniemy to make it on his own had arrived after hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy once again. The task for Washington is convincing the play-caller that this is the perfect place to take that next step in his own development.

And who knows, this might end up being a match made in heaven. One that could see the Commanders emerge from also-rans into a dark horse playoff contender next season.

We wait with bated breath for a final conclusion to this ongoing saga.