What are some major observations from the Washington Commanders hiring Eric Bieniemy as assistant head coach/offensive coordinator?
After weeks of speculation and significant doubters, the Washington Commanders pulled off a huge coup by convincing Eric Bieniemy to join their coaching staff. The former Kanas City Chiefs offensive coordinator was locked in talks with those in power over the last few days, which obviously convinced him that this was the place that can be the final stepping stone en route to a long-awaited head coaching gig.
This is nothing but positive news for the Commanders, whose offense was bland and predictable last season. Something that led Ron Rivera into firing Scott Turner and replacing him with one of the most prolific offensive minds in the business.
Finding the right personnel is the next objective for the Commanders. Bieniemy will have a big say, one suspects, but a postseason return could be well within reach if everything goes according to plan throughout the preparation period.
With that being said, here are four major observations from Washington hiring Bieniemy to a prominent leadership position.
Major Observation No. 1
Commanders’ offense will vastly expand
Looking at how the Kansas City Chiefs offense operated under Eric Bieniemy and Andy Reid, expect to see more scheme expansion where the Washington Commanders are concerned. And there is more than enough quality at the skill positions to attain this lofty objective.
Although there is no quarterback with Patrick Mahomes’ credentials in Washington currently, Bieniemy knows how to maximize the tools at his disposal. He’s also creative enough to get them in the best possible positions pre-snap for good measure.
Eric Bieniemy is betting on himself
After being overlooked countless times for an NFL head coaching role despite multiple interviews, it’s clear Eric Bieniemy needed a drastic change of course. It was no doubt difficult to leave the newly crowned Super Bowl championships, but his switch to the Washington Commanders represents the respected figure betting on himself.
For Bieniemy to stand any chance of making a deserved leap into a future head coach, it’s evident that he had to get out of Andy Reid’s shadow. Something that’s led many to question how much input the coordinator had with his head coach’s renowned offensive credentials.
This was extremely unfair. But it’s a narrative he can alter with the Commanders in 2023.
Bieniemy will have full control of the offense and gets permission to install his own coaching staff. Being assistant head coach also allows him to learn exactly what it takes from Ron Rivera – one of the most respected leaders of men anywhere in the league.
If Bieniemy can maximize his time in Washington and get this offense among the NFL’s best, there should be a queue of suitors looking in his direction during the next head coaching cycle. It’s sad that it came to this for the coach, but he is clearly confident enough to make it on his own.
Ron Rivera makes his Commanders power play
While it would be easy to see Eric Bieniemy’s appointment as one that piles further pressure on head coach Ron Rivera, it’s also a sign of how much stroke the respected leader has in league circles.
Convincing Bieniemy that this is the best place to progress his coaching career was a tough sell, especially considering the state of affairs across the offensive line and the questions at quarterback. However, Rivera’s plan clearly enticed the new offensive coordinator enough to leave Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes behind.
Things might not have gone according to plan for Rivera last season as Washington narrowly missed the postseason, but having Bieniemy to call upon for advice and guidance could make a monumental difference next time around.
Both parties obviously hit it off during various discussions and dinners this week. Otherwise, there’s little chance Bieniemy would have risked it all to link up with Rivera.
This represents Rivera’s power play. One that new ownership should give every chance of making a success if Dan Snyder sells the Commanders as expected in the not-too-distant future.
Much more is needed on the playing side, obviously. But Rivera at least has a proven winner with renowned capabilities handling his offense for the first time since joining the Commanders.
Commanders are serious about winning in 2023
While the Washington Commanders became a laughing stock and a disgrace behind the scenes thanks to the scandal that could result in Dan Snyder selling up, they weren’t all that far away on the playing side of things in 2023. Had their trade for quarterback Carson Wentz gone better, then Ron Rivera would have likely made the postseason for a second straight campaign.
This is in spite of an often porous offensive line. So if the right reinforcements arrive via free agency or the 2023 NFL Draft, the Commanders can become serious about winning with Eric Bineimy running their offense.
Bieniemy wouldn’t have come if he didn’t genuinely believe Washington can become a force next season. Having weapons like Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson should help, with the prospect of big numbers from tight end Logan Thomas something else that shouldn’t be dismissed entirely.
Couple this with a running back tandem of Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson Jr., it’s a lot for Bieniemy to utilize. If the coordinator doesn’t like what he sees in Sam Howell, then the Commanders will likely draft another quarterback option or swing for the fences with a veteran via trade.
All signs point to one of the most eventful offseasons in recent memory for Washington. Bieniemy’s arrival is the first big domino and considering what else might be coming, it’s set to completely shift the landscape.