Eric Bieniemy, the former assistant head coach and offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders last season, had a meeting with team owner Josh Harris and recently appointed general manager Adam Peters last week, as per CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. This marks the team’s initial completed interview in the ongoing coaching search, according to NFL Network.
This is the sole confirmed meeting Bieniemy has had in this coaching cycle, and notably, it is his 17th interview for a head coaching position since 2019. Importantly, it is his first interview while serving as the offensive play-caller for a team and being an internal candidate.
According to Anderson, Bieniemy’s presentation during the meeting was described as “detailed.” NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk also reported that Bieniemy is considered a legitimate contender for the Commanders’ head coaching position, and his interview wasn’t merely a formality due to his association with former head coach Ron Rivera’s previous staff.
Since being officially introduced as the new GM for the Commanders, Peters has not revealed any information about potential coaching candidates or specific criteria for the team’s next era. However, during a news conference, he outlined the general qualities he considers crucial in the Commanders’ next head coach.
“We’re looking for the best leader for this team, for the Washington Commanders,” Peters stated. “We have set criteria that we’re going to have it be aligned in that vision.”
The Commanders have sought interviews with several candidates, including Mike MacDonald (Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator), Anthony Weaver (Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach), Dan Quinn (Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator), Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions offensive coordinator), Aaron Glenn (Lions defensive coordinator), Bobby Slowik (Houston Texans offensive coordinator), and Raheem Morris (Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator).
For Bieniemy, the move to Washington was seen as an opportunity to strengthen his case for a head coaching position. Despite his successful tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning two Super Bowls and contributing to Patrick Mahomes’ success, a consistent criticism was that he wasn’t the lead play-caller in Kansas City under head coach Andy Reid. His shift to Washington aimed to address this.
Initially, with first-year starting quarterback Sam Howell, things appeared promising for Bieniemy. Howell averaged 280 passing yards in the first 10 weeks. However, the team and Howell struggled during an eight-game losing streak to end the season. Howell finished with 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, and the overall offense ranked 24th in yards, 25th in scoring, and 26th in offense DVOA.
Even amid struggles, when backup Jacoby Brissett took over, Bieniemy’s offense showed signs of improvement, scoring on the first five possessions over two games.
The Commanders’ coaching search will intensify in the coming days, with in-person meetings now allowed. Earlier, virtual interviews were conducted for coaches still under contract or whose teams were still playing.