Commanders put the NFC on notice with Eric Bieniemy hire

Appointing Eric Bieniemy as the team’s new offensive coordinator represents a major coup for the Washington Commanders heading into 2023.

Many doubted the prospect of Eric Bieniemy taking a sideways step and becoming Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator. Those doubters are now eating their words.

After lengthy negotiations and strategic conversations this week, Bieniemy’s hire was all but confirmed on Friday. This represents a major coup and one that will do Washington’s chances of making a postseason return an endless amount of good in 2023.

In all honesty, Bieniemy should be a head coach. For some unbeknown reason, he’s been overlooked despite countless interviews, so this is his opportunity to prove beyond all doubt he’s worthy of a deserved promotion down the line.

Commanders pull off a major coup with Eric Bieniemy hire

Just how long Bieniemy will be in Washington is anyone’s guess. However, the point is moot considering the pressure on Ron Rivera to get things right in Year 3 of his tenure.

This hire provides Rivera with someone that has proven credentials. Bieniemy was beloved by Kansas City Chiefs players, is a solid talent developer, and deserves more credit than came his way for the team’s success in recent years.

Giving Bieniemy full control of the Commanders’ offense was probably a deciding factor. Something the respected coach was never going to get in Kansas City with Andy Reid looking over his shoulder.

There is a lot of hard work ahead for Bieniemy and the Commanders this offseason. Strengthening the offensive line should be among the team’s top priorities and the new coordinator must also determine whether he trusts Sam Howell enough to man things under center.

Bieniemy was no doubt enticed by the strong options Washington has at the wide receiver spot and the running back trio at his disposal. With his appointment, Rivera can focus on managing the team rather than focusing too much on one specific area of play.

This has all the makings of a match made in heaven. One that could even make the Commanders a more attractive destination for pending free agents thanks to Bieniemy’s track record.

From a fan standpoint, this should be met with optimism. They didn’t have to look far to witness how bland and often predictable things were on offense last season under Scott Turner, so Bieniemy could be the spark that ignites the Commanders providing the right recruits are acquired this spring.

Couple this with the prospect of Dan Snyder selling the team and freeing up some significant salary-cap space in the coming weeks, and it’s not hard to see why the Commanders could emerge as a dark horse challenger if everything clicks right away.

If this dream becomes reality, teams looking for a new head coach next year will take Bieniemy more seriously.

If it hasn’t already, this should put the entire NFC on notice. The competition will be fierce – especially within the division – but Bieniemy wasn’t brought to Washington for the team to become also-rans once again.

The blue touch paper has officially been lit. And when it’s all said and done, this could become the heist of the century.