NFC South team could have interest in Eric Bieniemy

Washington Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

NFC South team could have interest in hiring Eric Bieniemy

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 1/5/24

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is once again drawing interest for a potential head-coaching job.

Bieniemy is reportedly “expected to be on the shortlist” of the Atlanta Falcons should they ultimately fire current head coach Arthur Smith.

Bieniemy is no stranger to such speculation. The 54-year-old coach was constantly linked to various head-coaching vacancies dating back to his days with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Source: Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy is expected to be on the Falcons’ immediate short list if they have a head coaching vacancy at the end of the season.

— Cam Marino (@MarinoNFL) January 4, 2024

After a middling 7-9 campaign heading into Week 18, the Falcons are said to be leaning heavily toward letting Smith go.

Smith has been criticized by some this season for underutilizing the Falcons’ top offensive threats in running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts.

Bieniemy has had experience handling an offense with high-end offensive weapons. He won two Super Bowls while serving as the offensive coordinator for the Chiefs from 2018 to 2022. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill need no further introduction.

However, Bieniemy has struggled to attain much success in a more involved OC role with the Commanders. Bieniemy, himself, seemingly gave up on Washington’s young QB Sam Howell amid the team’s current NFL-worst seven-game losing streak.

The Commanders are one of 10 NFL teams this season that has averaged under 20 points per game through Week 17. The team largely ranks in the middle of the pack in most offensive categories, while also being tied for second worst in the NFL in interceptions thrown (19).

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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