Has Ron Rivera piled more pressure on himself with Eric Bieniemy hire?

Has Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera piled more pressure on himself by hiring Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator?

There are increased expectations surrounding the Washington Commanders after securing the services of Eric Bieniemy as their new offensive coordinator. A move that was a long time coming but extremely important nonetheless.

Ron Rivera had to make a bold acquisition given how disappointing Washington’s offense was overall in 2022. Scott Turner was removed from the equation and now the Commanders have a proven leader capable of taking this team back into the postseason.

Bieniemy is coming off another Super Bowl campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he proved to be a hugely influential figure once again. However, there was a growing sense that if he wanted to ever become a head coach, getting out of Andy Reid’s shadow was the only way to quash some false narratives.

If the Commanders can fix their offensive line and mold their weapons around Biemiemy’s demands, this could be an incredible match. Although much will also depend on how the new coordinator perceives Sam Howell’s abilities heading into the quarterback’s sophomore season.

All options should be on the table for Washington. Bieniemy will have his own thoughts and is likely to bring along coaches he trusts to get the job done.

Ron Rivera and Eric Bieniemy are betting on themselves

However, this appointment could pile further pressure on Rivera in his crucial third season at the helm. This is another important element to factor into this encouraging equation.

Rivera could be on the NFL’s hottest seat if Dan Snyder sells the Commanders before the 2023 campaign. Therefore, he can ill afford any further inconsistent performances holding this team back next time around.

Washington’s fate was decided by fine margins in 2022. So having Bieniemy’s input certainly strengthens Rivera’s hopes of getting an extended stay under new ownership.

If things don’t go according to plan and the offense is not to blame, a scenario could emerge where Rivera is let go and Bieniemy gets his long-awaited opportunity to lead an NFL franchise.

It’s that simple, really.

This is another fascinating aspect for fans to monitor in the weeks and months ahead. The pair obviously hit it off this week during dinners and discussions, so Rivera deserves credit for having enough confidence in his own coaching abilities to bring Bieniemy on board.

With Jack Del Rio manning the defensive side of things, this is a potent trio littered with NFL experience. Something that can hopefully mesh well and propel the Commanders into the playoff picture.

Rivera has been around the game long enough to know what comes next with a different owner if things don’t progress. It’s something he experienced with David Tepper on the Carolina Panthers and won’t want history repeating itself.

The only way Rivera accomplishes this is by surrounding himself with the right people. In that sense, Bieniemy definitely ticks all the boxes.

Bieniemy is betting on himself. In a way, so is Rivera.

And who knows, it might make all the difference in Rivera keeping his job long-term when it’s all said and done.