Several teams are interested in Eric Bieniemy for the third straight offseason.
The Eric Bieniemy blitz is on again. At this rate, it’s become something of an annual tradition.
Two years ago, the first noted interest in Bieniemy as a potential head coach became known as teams wanted to potentially hire the next disciple of Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Last season, as Bieniemy remained available for another year, the Chiefs offensive coordinator was interviewed by four of five NFL franchises with head coach openings. This year, the number is going to be higher than ever.
Like we said, it’s an annual tradition at this point.
If Bieniemy somehow makes it through this carousel without a head coaching gig, it would be a shock. It would also be very disappointing. At this point, Bieniemy says all the right things about loving his current role—which he should—as an offensive co-conspirator with Reid and company for one of the NFL’s few elite teams. That said, Bieniemy is also spinning his wheels in K.C. when he deserves a real chance to spread his wings and lead a team of his own.
It sounds promising so far for Bieniemy, even from a numbers perspective. While the Jacksonville Jaguars are one team already linked to a candidate, it’s hardly the only open available position. Beyond the Jags, the rest seem like Bieniemy could be a real possibility for any of them.
The Atlanta Falcons got things going on Monday by confirming that they had held a virtual interview with Bieniemy about replacing Dan Quinn as the team’s next head coach. The Detroit Lions also managed to land some time on Bieniemy’s Monday schedule, which means two virtual interviews are now out of the way. Until the Chiefs are done with their postseason run, league-wide COVID restrictions are going to keep Bieniemy (and other currently employed candidates) from having any in-person interviews.
From there, three other jobs are also considered good possibilities for Bieniemy. The New York Jets made their interest official on Monday although an interview has not taken place. The same can be said for the Chargers. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans have been linked to Bieniemy for quite some time, and interim head coach Romeo Crennel and quarterback Deshaun Watson have both been asked about Bieniemy as a potential leader.
At this point, Bieniemy could be interviewing for jobs he should have had the first time around. The Jets interviewed Bieniemy before deciding on Adam Gase, yet here they are again with a head coaching need along with the draft’s first selection. The Jaguars are the only team who hasn’t wanted to interview Bieniemy—yet.
Bieniemy will likely continue to speak with teams throughout the playoffs, but it will be interesting to see if the Chiefs’ assumed success could also be a sticking point for teams who are anxious to meet him in person and start to hire their staff. Unless the Chiefs fall short of their stated goals, other teams might be waiting for another month to get their man. Bieniemy is worth the wait.