In the world of football, uncertainty reigns supreme. Just ask Eric Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. His bold move to leave the tutelage of Andy Reid and the dynamic duo of Patrick Mahomes behind and join a defensive-minded coach in Ron Rivera seemed like a calculated risk. However, with Rivera's recent firing and an underwhelming performance by the Commanders offense, Bieniemy's future hangs in the balance.
As the ownership of the team searches for a new head of football operations and a coach, Bieniemy remains employed, although it seems likely that he may have to seek opportunities elsewhere. When asked about Bieniemy's performance and his potential consideration for the head coaching job, controlling owner Josh Harris acknowledged his success in the league and hinted that he would be part of the candidate pool.
There is no doubt that Bieniemy has garnered respect throughout his career. Rivera, speaking from experience, believes that Bieniemy has the potential to be a head coach. However, the sentiments from within the Commanders locker room suggest that the players may not have fully embraced what Bieniemy brought to the table this season.
Sam Cosmi, the team's right guard, voiced his desire for a more balanced offensive approach, emphasizing the need for a stronger running game. Cornelius Lucas, the swing tackle, noted the differences between Bieniemy's style and that of former offensive coordinator Scott Turner, who had created a more balanced attack. Logan Thomas, the tight end, admitted that the team experienced both ups and downs under Bieniemy's guidance.
While some players expressed mixed feelings, others commended Bieniemy's consistency. Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. praised his unwavering demeanor, emphasizing that he knew what to expect from the coach each day. Quarterback Sam Howell and tackle Andrew Wylie spoke highly of Bieniemy, appreciating his character and coaching prowess. Howell described it as a pleasure to work with him, while Wylie expressed tremendous respect for a coach who had stayed true to himself throughout the season.
However, it's evident that not everything was smooth sailing in Washington. During training camp, Rivera let slip that some players had concerns about Bieniemy's coaching style. Despite his attempts to clarify the comments, it was clear that Bieniemy might have rubbed certain players the wrong way. Ultimately, the on-field results didn't meet expectations, with the Commanders averaging fewer than 20 points per game and finishing with a meager 4-13 record.
Still, amidst the uncertainty and criticism, there remains room for optimism. Running back Antonio Gibson believes that Bieniemy will bounce back, which will ultimately benefit both the coach and the team. Despite the challenges faced, Bieniemy expressed gratitude for the learning experience and the fun he had coaching the Commanders.
As the search for a new head coach unfolds, Bieniemy's future hangs in the balance. Will he get another shot at a head coaching position? Only time will tell. For now, the football world watches and waits, eager to see what's next for this resilient coach who ventured outside his comfort zone for a chance to shine.
In the unpredictable world of the NFL, only one thing remains certain: the pursuit of success never ends. And for Eric Bieniemy, the next chapter has yet to be written.
