Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is already leaving his mark on the training field, after arriving from the Kansas City Chiefs this offseason.
Bieniemy left the Super Bowl Champions to embark on a new journey with the Commanders, after being assured more authority under head coach Ron Rivera. Bieniemy is still yet to be given a head coach role in his career, but the switch to the Commanders could well be the stepping stone to landing a top job.
The former Chiefs OC has been overseeing OTA's this week, and has already taken the lead as the Commanders look to make significant changes for the 2023 season. Rivera has allowed Bieniemy to take control, and spoke highly of the new coach.
After assessing the first OTA this week, Bieniemy was allowed to make changes to the script after suggesting a different approach for both the offense and defense. And just like what was promised when Bieniemy made the move, the Commanders allowed him to do things his way.
"I gave him the opportunity to script a lot of things we’re doing, handling all the scheduling," Rivera said. "That’s why things are different, that’s why we’re not on the field already, because of some of the things he wanted to change and wanted to work on."
Bieniemy has already demanded a lot of respect, especially after winning two Super Bowl's with the Chiefs. And Rivera is a fan of Bieniemy's style, with the OC ensuring players pay attention at all times.
"It’s been exciting," Rivera added. "EB is a high-energy, high-impact guy. he doesn’t pull any punches, he’s very direct with the players, which is good."
Bieniemy has also been given the title of assistant head coach at the Commanders, something which Rivera feels he truly deserves. It's still one of the biggest NFL myths as to why Bieniemy hasn't been offered a head coach role so far in his career, but that's likely to change.
"I don’t believe you give the assistant head coach title and it’s gratuitous," Rivera said. "It’s not just a title. It’s a working title. He’s doing those things and he’s got those responsibilities, and I think he relishes it. He’s one of those guys who very few people are going to out-work."
Bieniemy has coached in the NFL since 2006, but after earning his stripes around the league he really commanded respect for his work under Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Bieniemy now has the freedom that he wanted, but things will be a lot different without the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
