The Arizona Cardinals are closing in on a new head coach but a big name could be in play for their also-vacant offensive coordinator position.
A surprise name popped up connected to the Cardinals — Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
Bieniemy’s contract is apparently up after the season. Written by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Bieniemy’s agent has named the Cardinals as an outside possibility for his client for this next season.
Bieniemy, who has been the Chiefs’ OC since 2018, could be in play for the Indianapolis Colts’ head coaching job. If not that, per his agent, he could return to Kansas City again or he could be the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Commanders or Arizona Cardinals.
He could “potentially become the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, depending on who is hired” to be head coach.
The Cardinals have three finalists te replace Kliff Kingsbury as head coach — New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and, recently reported, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
Bieniemy and Kafka know each other from their time with the Chiefs. Kafka was the Chiefs’ quarterbacks coach from 2018-2021 and passing game coordinator in 2020-2021. He worked side-by-side with Bieniemy.
Joining Kafka would make sense. He could also be paired with one of the defensive-minded candidates as well.
The Cardinals are expected to make a decision this week.
We will see if Bieniemy ends up being part of the equation.
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