Eric Bieniemy, the former offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, finds himself in a precarious situation. After being passed over for multiple head coaching jobs in the NFL, he took a lateral move to Washington, hoping it would lead to an eventual head coaching position. However, with a new coaching staff in place, Bieniemy’s future with the team is uncertain. This begs the question: Should he have waited for a head coaching job?
In hindsight, it’s easy to say that Bieniemy should have been patient and waited for a head coaching opportunity to come his way. After all, he has been widely regarded as one of the best offensive coordinators in football, with a track record of success and the endorsement of players like Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. It’s baffling that he has been repeatedly passed over for head coaching positions.
However, sometimes staying put is the best option. In Bieniemy’s case, taking the job in Washington seemed like the right move at the time. He believed that the opportunity to run his own offense and work with quarterback Sam Howell and Jacoby Brissett could lead to a head coaching job elsewhere or as Ron Rivera’s successor. Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out as expected.
Washington has long been plagued by dysfunction and management malpractice. It’s not a franchise that has shown a commitment to winning or creating a positive culture. Players even complained that Bieniemy’s standards were too high, suggesting that they didn’t like dealing with a winner. In hindsight, it’s clear that Washington was not the ideal place for Bieniemy to showcase his abilities and build a case for a head coaching job.
Instead of taking a lateral move, Bieniemy should have considered staying with the Kansas City Chiefs. He had found success working with Mahomes and Reid, and there was a clear path to the head coaching position if he stayed patient. In fact, when Jerod Mayo was announced as Bill Belichick’s successor in New England, it was revealed that he already had it in his contract. Perhaps Bieniemy could have negotiated a similar clause in his deal with the Chiefs, ensuring that he would be next in line for the head coaching job.
It’s unfortunate that Bieniemy finds himself in this situation. He deserves a head coaching opportunity based on his track record and the endorsements he has received. However, it’s a reminder that sometimes staying put and being patient is the best option. In the future, Bieniemy should carefully consider his options and weigh the potential for success and stability before making any career moves.
