NFL World Reacts to Eric Bieniemy’s Reported Commanders Move

Robert Griffin III, Charles Woodson and others slammed the situation.

For years, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been considered a prime candidate for a head coaching position. And for years, Bieniemy has been passed over.

"Eric Bieniemy has been tremendous for us and I think he's tremendous for the National Football League," Kansas City coach Andy Reid said of his longtime assistant after the Super Bowl. "I’m hoping he has an opportunity to go somewhere and do his thing, where he can run the show and be Eric Bieniemy.”

Now, Bieniemy will have a new opportunity after he and the Commanders have reportedly agreed to terms on a deal to make him their assistant head coach and offensive coordinator.

Reactions from the NFL were decidedly mixed, with widespread apathy toward what many saw as a lateral move.

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick was particularly vocal in his condemnation of the fact that Bieniemy still hasn’t landed a head coaching job.

Not going to waste my time trying to explain why Urban Meyer, Kliff Kingsbury, & Nathaniel Hackett receiving an opportunity to fail so spectacularly as HC’s before Eric Bieniemy has to make a LATERAL MOVE to prove his competency as a coordinator is an f’ing embarrassment. ✌🏾

— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) February 17, 2023

Another ESPN analyst, Robert Griffin III, pointed indirectly to the Texans' and Giants' hirings of David Culley and Joe Judge in years past, questioning why Bieniemy had never been afforded the chances they were.

Eric Bieniemy having to leave Kansas City to “prove himself” after WINNING 2 SUPER BOWLS as the Offensive Coordinator is a TRAVESTY. A position coach who wasn’t the Offensive Coordinator and a Special Teams Coach have been hired as Head Coaches in the last 5 years. HOW SWAY?

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 18, 2023

Longtime Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporter Clarence Hill Jr. recalled an old interview with legendary Georgetown coach John Thompson about obstacles facing Black coaches.

When I think of the Eric Bieniemy situation I'm reminded of the words of the late great John Thompson and I'm sick of it too https://t.co/AMW1K6XBYf

— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) February 18, 2023

Some publications, such as the USA Today, went as far as calling the hire "embarrassing for the NFL."

Make no mistake: Eric Bieniemy going to Washington is embarrassing for the NFL | Opinion - USA TODAY https://t.co/X65IbZKlyB

— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) February 18, 2023

Hall of Fame defensive back Charles Woodson summarized the position of many, writing that the nature of the move made him "sick."

Eric bieniemy possibly leaving the chiefs as the OC to Washington for the same position makes me sick🤮

— Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson) February 17, 2023