Making sense of Eric Bieniemy’s lack of head coaching momentum

Let’s take a look at what I would consider the unsuccessful pair, Pederson and Nagy. Pederson had multiple positions with the Eagles and eventually the offensive coordinator job with the Chiefs. He, as well as Nagy, had similar paths to head coaching that Bieniemy appears to have.

Some argue Pederson has been successful, since he won a Super Bowl after all. Take out the Super Bowl and the Philadelphia Eagles franchise under Pederson has been, to put it lightly, a failure. Outside of 2017, in a weak division no less, they have gone 29-33-1.

What’s likely worse, Pederson seemingly mismanaged things with Carson Wentz. Say what you will, but Wentz is one of the most freakishly athletic and raw talents in the NFL. He was a shoe-in for the MVP in 2017 before succumbing to a late season injury. You can make the case his decline in performance and demeanor is largely due to that injury, but as a bystander, I’d argue coaching has played a bigger part.

Some argue that Nagy has been successful with the Bears. He’s made the playoffs two of three seasons after all. That’s fair, but I’ve followed the Bears more closely than any other team except the Chiefs, and I can tell you his play calling has been rough. He’s never seemed to get into a rhythm, and maybe that’s talent at some level, but it reflects on the man calling the plays. Most expected he’d be fired this offseason, and many Bears fans were frustrated he was not.

This is the main reason I think Bieniemy is struggling to land a head coaching job. There are reasonably some questions as to what his overall impact on the offense is. He has the best offensive coach in the NFL and the best quarterback in the NFL. It’s not shocking they’re one of the best offenses, and Bieniemy reportedly does not call plays. Rather Reid describes it as a group effort.

Add to this the fact that offensive coordinators for Andy Reid have not gone on to long tenures as head coaches and it’s reasonable some franchises wonder if Bieniemy is their guy. I’m not advocating against him, as I think he has the ability to be successful, but the hesitation to hire him is explainable.

Truthfully, it’s possible that malevolent attitudes are the reason that Bieniemy hasn’t been hired and continues to struggle in the interview circuit. It’s also possible there are sound and ethical reasons this is happening. What’s more, the idea this is his last chance is unfounded. At 50 years old, with some head coaches in their early 70s, Bieniemy has plenty of time left to land a head coaching gig.