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Across the NFL, top coaches and staff work tirelessly to build their acumen with a successful regular-season record. Defensive and offensive staff work closely with players and the head coach to arrange top talent, while strength and conditioning trainers groom athletic abilities.
In recent years, few teams have topped the meteoric rise of the Kansas City Chiefs. Following a 50-year Super Bowl title drought, head coach Andy Reid, OC Eric Bieniemy, and DC Steve Spagnuolo have helped shape top athletes into a powerful, championship-winning squad.
But most offensive and defensive coordinators at the top of their field aren’t looking to tread water with successful franchises. They’re typically interested in building one of their own, as is the case with OC Eric Bieniemy.
Bieniemy’s contract with the Chiefs will end after the 2020-21 season concludes February 7th, after which it’s expected the talented coach will move into the head coach position with another team. Bienjemy is currently making his rounds interviewing with interested franchises.
Building on Chiefs’ Success
In a three-year period, Reid and Bieniemy managed to transform their offense into one of the most lethal in the NFL. They groomed their star talent from Texas Tech alum, quarterback Patrick Mahomes. But they also arranged a powerful support system for the QB, which brought in some of the most dangerous wide receivers in the league.
This includes Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson, and Mecole Hardman. Although some point to the quarterback and passing game coordinator, Mike Kafka, for leading the Chiefs’ development of Mahomes, others have focused on Bieniemy’s time as an offensive coach to account for the squad’s success.
Throughout the 2020 season, NFL betting odds from top sportsbooks have repeatedly counted the Chiefs as a lethal force on game day, if not their final selection for taking home a consecutive Super Bowl LV title.
An Issue With Interviewing
Clearly, Bieniemy has the record and know-how to turn a football squad into a dangerous team capable of making multiple playoff runs. Those previously in his position, including Doug Pederson and Matt Nagy, now serve as head coaches for the Eagles and the Bears, respectively.
However, as Bieniemy continues interviewing, there are rumors the offensive coordinator may be shut out. Some have reported that the OC simply doesn’t interview well, while others have hinted that it could be the Chiefs’ postseason run that’s preventing other teams from showing real interest.
If a franchise can pick up an available head coach who is ready for hire immediately, they’ll likely pass on a candidate that needs an extra month at his old position. However, there’s another theory: Bieniemy is happy with the Chiefs and is only willing to part with the franchise for the perfect position with a squad he feels confident taking over.
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Prospective Teams
Heading into the 2021-22 season, six teams are looking to replace their head coaches, including the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, New York Jets, LA Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans.
While the Texans recently asked the Chiefs for an interview with Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator has yet to sit down with the franchise. With the support of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who ‘advocated’ for Bieniemy, it looks possible that the flailing Texas team could pick up the OC.
Undoubtedly, the Texans would be looking for Bieniemy to lead with a Watson-led offense. Given Watson’s similarities to the talented Mahomes, the idea is that Bieniemy could utilize the Texans’ QB talent to its full advantage.
However, the Texans wouldn’t be the only team fit for Bieniemy. The Falcons already have a strong offense, which a former offensive coordinator could push into overdrive while helping develop the team’s defense.
Similarly, the Jaguars will likely draft a strong new quarterback from the NCAA: Trevor Lawrence. In Bieniemy’s hands, the talented athlete could help push the Jaguar’s to new heights with an intelligent head coach.
However, Bieniemy could also choose to head to a disparate franchise in need of a total overhaul, like the Jets or even the Lions. By helping reunify divided teams that have struggled to find solid leaders, Bieniemy could help redefine a new era for a franchise.