Why Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy Leaves Division Heads to Commanders

The Commander Washington know offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can’t bring in midfield Patrick Mahomes with him. But they would be happy if Bieniemy could repeat some of the offensive successes they both shared with Chief of Kansas City.

Washington D.C hired Bieniemy on Friday. He’s leaving Kansas City after five seasons in the same role, but he’ll be the main player in Washington – something he hasn’t done with the Team Leaders.

He will come to lead a unit that has struggled for most of the past six years, unable to finish with fouls that have ranked in the top 15 in points or yards during that time.

It’s no coincidence that Washington has made one post-season appearance during that time.

As the Kansas City offensive coordinator for the past 5 years, Bieniemy has coached 14 knockouts. Meanwhile, Washington has played 10 playoffs since winning the Super Bowl after the 1991 season.

If Bieniemy is successful in his new role, the Commanders could add to that total by 2023.

What does this mean for Washington?

That means the team will change their attack from the system run by Scott Turner to the attacking West Coast style that Bieniemy has worked with for the past 10 seasons with head coach Andy Reid, first coaching. backing officer and then attack coordinator in Kansas City. There’s a lot of intersection with offenses, so learning the terminology will be more important than anything else.

The remaining question will be which offensive coaches are still on the payroll. Washington coach Ron Rivera wants to limit changes as much as possible to ease transitions, especially for quarterback Sam Howell. He is about to start a rookie season in which he played one game and managed to make 19 passes.

“I’m not worried about his academic ability,” Rivera said. “Learning to foul that we’ve really put a lot on a young lad and he’s handled it very well from the start. I assume he won’t have a hard time. He’s also the type of guy who has the ability to do that. can work with his teammates and help them grow and also grow.” — John Keim

What does this mean for Kansas City?

The Captains already have a succession plan in place and that most likely means Matt Nagy will take over as offensive coordinator. Nagy, the quarterback head coach last season, was their coordinator in 2016 and 2017 before he left to become the team’s head coach. Chicago bear. So the transition has to be as seamless as possible for Mahomes and the offense, especially since Reid will maintain his substantial presence. — Adam Teicher

Why did Bieniemy leave KC to move to a later stage?

Reid’s shadow was no obstacle for Doug Pederson or Nagy, his first two offensive coordinators after joining the Captain. Each moved from there to head coaching, Pederson with Philadelphia Eagles and Nagy with the bears. But for some reason, it seemed to be a problem for Bieniemy as he pursued work as an NFL head coach. Perhaps getting rid of Reid and Mahomes and succeeding with the Commanders would make him a more attractive head coach candidate.

Even Reid seems to suggest the same, saying on Monday, “I hope he gets the chance to go somewhere and do his job where he can run the show and become Eric Bieniemy.” — teacher

Does this increase Bieniemy’s chances of getting the head coach job?

If he succeeds, it must increase his chances. Let’s put it this way: It certainly won’t hurt. And if he does well, that removes a hit for him, that he’s not a pro in Kansas City and succeeds in the Captain’s attack that stemmed from Reid and Mahomes. .

He is racing for other jobs, but the lack of games called as an obstacle. Now, he has that opportunity and will let his work speak for itself.

What’s tough for him is that he might have a season to prove himself in that role. Rivera will enter what is considered a must-win season with a coordinator running his own program for the first time alongside an inexperienced midfielder at Howell. It’s a combination that requires patience as they convert. — Keim

Why did the Commanders choose Bieniemy?

He’s passionate and demanding, qualities that can help start a foul that hasn’t made it into the top 15 in points or yards since 2016. His style can help. Before Super Bowl LVII, Mahomes said, “Make sure you have an Eric Bieniemy in your life because he’ll make sure you’re ready to go.”

Bieniemy comes from a highly productive system. And Washington liked the way the Commanders used their talent and skill, feeling their size and style more advantageous than what the Commanders had in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson And Curtis Samuel. Washington loves how the Leaders creatively channel their talents to give them better opportunities.

Washington also liked his presence and the way he presented his ideas in the interview, as well as how he planned to use the Commanders’ weapons. They also liked that he told them that a team needs balance to score points, but has to end the game on the offensive.

That also helped Bieniemy coach under Reid for a long time. Rivera coached under Reid for five seasons in Philadelphia and the two remain friends. Rivera often sought Reid’s advice and his advice would carry a lot of weight. — Keim

Who else is running for work?

Washington interviewed seven other candidates: Pat Shurmur (currently not on the same team), Commander Ken Zampese’s QB coach, Tennessee Giants QB Coach/Game Coordinator pass Charles London, Miami Dolphins associate head coach/backward coach Eric Studesville, San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach/assistant coach Anthony Lynn, former Baltimore Crows attack coordinator Greg Roman and The Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach/head coach Thomas Brown. Zampese was the only coach on the payroll of Washington to give an interview. — Keim

What does Bieniemy bring to the Commanders’ offense?

The Commanders are having a detail-oriented offensive coordinator who will coach his players diligently. Players tell stories about how Bieniemy handles the seemingly smallest details and ensures that he covers as many game scenarios as possible.

“He brings it in and it happens every day. He doesn’t let anything slide,” Reid said.

“I take great pride in making sure everything is dotted, the T is crossed out and everything is absolute,” says Bieniemy.

After Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII win over Eagles, Mahomes credits Bieniemy for running again Jerick McKinnon missed the 1-yard line to score the decisive goal of the game, instead of scoring a touchdown and leaving time on the clocks for the Eagles to react. Mahomes said Bieniemy has covered that scenario many times.

“Although we sometimes get tired of hearing and talking about those moments, they always seem to happen in the biggest games and he makes sure we look at the details every week, ‘ said Mahomes. — teacher

What does Bieniemy have to do in Washington?

It has three receivers skilled in McLaurin, Samuel and Dotson, two solid defenders in Antonio Gibson And Brian Robinson Jr.. and lots of questions.

Rivera said Howell will join training sessions in the spring as a starting midfielder. Washington quite liked Howell ahead of the 2022 draft, but wouldn’t pick him because it was in exchange Carson Wentz. But when he was there in the fifth round, the Commanders attacked. If they hadn’t traded for Wentz, they might have picked him in the second or third round.

But while they like Howell, the truth is he managed to make 19 passes in the NFL. And this will also be the second offense he has to study in two years. Washington also needs to improve its offensive line, perhaps adding two or three starters. — Keim

What does Bieniemy’s recruitment mean against the possibility of selling the Commanders?

It’s hard to fully know what it means, but it’s hard to imagine anyone coming here unless they feel comfortable that Rivera will coach here in 2023. Trying to bring in a coach who has It’s one thing to make a name like Sean Payton – as he says the potential the ownership team has tried – then doing a search that includes top assistants is another.

Another factor that some have mentioned in favor of Bieniemy is that with the new owners, perhaps he can get a job after this season if they want to fire Rivera. But there are some sticking points here. If Bieniemy’s offense goes well, that means Washington will have a good season – and Rivera will stay. If the offense of the Commanders gets in the way, it will be difficult to promote Bieniemy or anyone other than this team. Perhaps if Washington’s offense becomes explosive, but the team still finishes around 0.500 and owners want a change then Bieniemy has a stronger case to take over. — Keim