Eric Bieniemy era in Washington over after just one season

Eric Bieniemy was routinely mentioned a year ago as an NFL head coaching candidate — admittedly, an overlooked candidate, but a candidate nonetheless. After a year with Washington, that speculation has dried up.

New coach Dan Quinn announced Monday that the offensive coordinator would not return to Washington next season.

“I think he’s an excellent coach. I had a chance to visit with him today. We’ll continue that dialogue, but we’re not going to work together here,” Quinn said. “I wanted him to know I respect the work that he’s done. I wish EB nothing but the best.”

Quinn decided to hire former Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator.

Bieniemy shined with coach Andy Reid for 10 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. As quarterback Patrick Mahomes delivered Super Bowls wins and claimed MVP trophies, Kansas City’s offensive coordinator attracted buzz for top jobs around the league.

Before accepting a job with Washington, the former running back interviewed for 16 head coaching vacancies. Teams passed on him each time.

The Commanders’ coordinating job was considered a lateral move for Bieniemy. The role was a chance for the long-time coach to establish his own identity as a coach away from Reid’s shadow.

“I’m really pumped that he took a shot this year and went for it, so I’ve got a lot of respect for him,” Quinn said.

Some commentators, like former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, thought the play-caller was doomed from the start in the District.

“Eric Bieniemy not being a Head Coach after 2 Super Bowls and 7 straight AFC West titles in Kansas City is STILL BAFFLING,” Griffin wrote on X. “Then he got Charlie Brown’d by people saying he needed to run his own offense and goes to a Washington staff on its last breath. He should have never left KC.”

On the Nightcap podcast, Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe shared similar sentiments.

“If you look at Washington’s stats the previous year, they were down with Bieniemy. Bieniemy should’ve stayed in Kansas City,” Sharpe said. “I’m not going to Washington. Ron Rivera was going to get fired. Sam Howell is not going to win you enough games to keep that job.”

Under Bieniemy, the Commanders’ offense ranked 25th in points and 24th in yards. Washington’s pass-heavy attack was inefficient, finishing 18th in passing yards despite leading the league in attempts.

“I wanted to run the ball more,” guard Sam Cosmi told reporters in January. Washington ranked 32nd in rushing attempts in 2023. “I felt like we weren’t balanced … I love running the ball, and I felt like it was just nothing but drop-back passes.”

Other players regarded their coach more warmly as they cleared out their lockers last month.

“I’ve got so much love for that man,” offensive tackle Andrew Wylie said. “He stuck to his guns this year. He didn’t change. EB stayed the same coach that I’ve known for the last five years. I commend him for that.”

Washington’s front office considered Bieniemy for its coaching vacancy after firing Rivera in January. General manager Adam Peters hired Quinn instead. 

Three offensive coordinator vacancies remain in the NFL. The Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Chargers have yet to hire play-callers.