Mike Tomlin is right to be confused about Eric Bieniemy

Mike Tomlin isn’t the only one scratching his head. After yet another offseason in which Eric Bieniemy was bypassed for every single head coaching opening, we’re all still wondering why he remains with the K.C. Chiefs.

Tomlin, the head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, recently sat down to talk about the lack of opportunities for minorities in head coaching positions around the NFL on Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. On the show, he spoke bluntly and honestly about the frustrating lack of progress in an area that receives plenty of media attention each year. Despite quality candidates and obvious opportunities, NFL owners continue to overwhelmingly hire white head coaches.

In his quotes, Tomlin specifically mentioned Bieniemy. As the Chiefs offensive coordinator, he’s in prime position—at least from an outside perspective—to earn a head coaching opportunity. He interviewed for almost every single opening this offseason and that comes after a half-dozen interviews last year and even some the year before that. Coming into this specific offseason, Bieniemy seemed like he could even have his pick of multiple vacancies. And then he didn’t.

"“Bieniemy is a real head-scratcher for me,” Tomlin said. “Every offensive coordinator Andy Reid has had in the last 20 years got a head job. One of those guys, Brad Childress, hired me in Minnesota in 2006. Now, Andy has the best offense he’s ever had and [Bieniemy] can’t get a job?”"

Mike Tomlin is confused about why Eric Bieniemy remains with K.C. Chiefs.

To Bieniemy’s credit, he’s remained positive in remarks to the media and has maintained focus on the job in front of him when asked. However, he’s also been honest that he does desire a head coaching job, and even his boss and mentor, Andy Reid, has given glowing recommendations as a leader-in-waiting.

At this point, Bieniemy has served under Andy Reid, a future Hall of Fame head coach, for eight full seasons. He’s spent three of those as his right hand man on offense, and in that specific span of time, he’s been to two Super Bowls and three conference championships. Not only does he bring offensive creativity and strong communication and leadership skills but he’s got more experience with success at the pro level that almost anyone else an owner could bring in for an interview.

For now, everyone will have to wait—Bieniemy included—for a head coaching opportunity to once again open up. By that time, Bieniemy will have another year under his belt and hopefully even more success to show for his efforts. Until then, the inability of Bieniemy to land a coveted head coaching role will continue to frustrate (and bewilder) us all.