Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s contract has elapsed following the conclusion of the 2022 NFL season. As a result, he’s free to take an interview for jobs considered to be lateral moves.
On Wednesday evening, Bieniemy began an interview with the Washington Commanders for their vacant offensive coordinator position. The latest on that interview comes from The Score’s Jordan Schultz, who says that Ron Rivera and the Commanders believe Bieniemy to be their guy.
My understanding: Ron Rivera/#Commanders have high hopes that Eric Bieniemy is their guy. League source told me yesterday they’d have dinner Wednesday and then get EB in the facility today. Highlighted his ability to cultivate relationships w/players (eg Mahomes) as invaluable.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 16, 2023
Should Bieniemy leave for the Commanders, who will the Chiefs turn to for their offensive coordinator position? Many seem to believe that former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy has been offensive coordinator-in-waiting ever since he returned to the team ahead of the 2022 NFL season as QB coach and senior offensive assistant.
Nagy, of course, served as quarterbacks coach in Kansas City from 2013-2016 before a one-year promotion to offensive coordinator in 2017. He’d leave the organization the following season to become head coach in Chicago for four seasons.
During his lone year as offensive coordinator in Kansas City, Alex Smith had the best season of his NFL career, setting career highs in yards, touchdowns, interception percentage, and passer rating. The Chiefs’ offense ranked fifth in total offense, sixth in points per game, seventh in passing touchdowns, ninth in rushing yards and they had the fewest turnovers in the NFL with eight on the year.
Nagy certainly has the reputation and capability to be a high-end choice for the Chiefs should Bieniemy leave. Outside of the numbers from his year as offensive coordinator, Nagy has a good relationship with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and other key players on the offense. It could make for a seamless transition after Bieniemy has held the offensive coordinator role since 2018.
