Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy still loving life amid reported unrest

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator/assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy is still loving life amid reported unrest among the players.

There have been rumors of friction between Washington Commanders players and Eric Bieniemy once again this week. John Keim of ESPN first reported that some individuals had gone to Ron Rivera in a bid to wrestle power from the play-caller, with another report courtesy of Grant Paulsen from 106.7 The Fan suggesting glowing recommendations would not be arriving for the head coaching gig in 2024.

Bieniemy is smiling through it all. He's done a good job in growing the offense despite things not being perfect, but his tough methods and high standards are not sitting well with some players unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices.

Eric Bieniemy reflects on first Commanders season

That's more an indictment on them than Bieniemy if the reports are accurate. When reflecting on his time in Washington so far, the offensive mind has relished the challenge and is always looking for ways to improve based on comments via USA Today Sports.

"It’s been a lot of fun, it’s been a lot of responsibility. Uh, a lot of communication that takes place between myself and our staff. On top of that, it is a collective group. Everybody is into it and helping build the game plan. There’s been many highs, and obviously, you always look back on things and say, you know what? Maybe we should have done this or done that. But you’re always evaluating yourself to make sure you are dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s, making sure you are making the right decisions at the right times for these particular situations that present themselves."

- Eric Bieniemy via USA Today Sports

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Commanders right now, for obvious reasons. Josh Harris' ownership group has their finger on the trigger ready to implement change, which makes the current working environment a difficult one for all involved.

That's not even counting the fact Washington is 4-8 and bracing for another losing campaign under Ron Rivera. Bieniemy is one of the few emerging from the season with any credit - whether it's enough for genuine consideration for the top job once the current man at the helm is inevitably let go remains to be seen.

With five games remaining, we won't have to wait too much longer before finding out one way or another. Until then, Bieniemy will continue to demand excellence from his players, push them hard, and remain a core influence around quarterback Sam Howell's development as the signal-caller looks to cement his future under a different regime.

Reports of unrest aren't what anybody needs at this stage. Morale is low enough without tarnishing the reputation of a man who's done a pretty decent job in difficult circumstances this season.

Besides, Bieniemy's reputation speaks for itself. He's a two-time Super Bowl winner and one only has to look at how the Kansas City Chefs offense has regressed without him to see how influential he was in their game-planning from week to week.

If the Commanders don't keep him around, there will be a queue of suitors lining him up for various coaching roles. In this instance, Bieniemy will tackle his next challenge with the same passion, enthusiasm, and everything in between.

After all, it's what got him this far to begin with.