NFL Rumor: Washington Commanders Coach Eric Bieniemy Liked By Chicago Bears; Can Ron Rivera Help?
It’s an open secret that the Washington Commanders will join in on the coaching carousel this offseason.
Head coach Ron Rivera presides over a 4-9 team that faces a daunting rebuild and the pressures that come with new ownership. He’s effectively a lame-duck coach and his defense has reflected that. In the game following defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s firing, Washington allowed 406 yards in a 45-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Across the conference, the Chicago Bears also have a coaching decision to make. Head coach Matt Eberflus is staring down a future in which an underperforming team has the first overall pick and the opportunity to match a new coach with a franchise quarterback.
Commanders coach Eric Bieniemy and Miami Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill.
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If Chicago does decide to move on, it has its eyes on the Commanders.
“I’m told the Chicago Bears are expected to have interest in Commanders assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, among others,” Josina Anderson reported. “With general knowledge that current HC Matt Eberflus is under evaluation.”
Bieniemy and his offense haven’t set the league on fire this season, ranking 16th in yards per game. However, the flashes he has brought out from second-year quarterback Sam Howell have been notable.
Operating in the most pass-happy offense in football, Howell has thrown for 3,466 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. The turnovers and record-setting sack pace are concerns, but he ranks in the top half of the league in big-time throw percentage and is well-regarded for his toughness.
Subsequently, Rivera has the opportunity to pad Bieniemy's resume in the final month of the season.
Rivera doesn’t seem likely to be fired before the season's end. Even so, relinquishing further control to his assistant head coach -- and making that known in league circles -- has the same effect as naming him interim head coach. He’d have the Week 14 bye to prepare for a four-game stretch that could land him a head coaching gig.
Bieniemy’s work with Howell (and All-World passer Patrick Mahomes) is well-documented. Conversely, whether it be poor interviews, rocky relationships, or convincing arguments from other candidates, he is yet to be entrusted with leading an entire team.
Righting the ship for a Commanders team that has lost four straight could be crucial to the Bears’ coaching search. Rivera has the opportunity to prove Bieniemy has the leadership chops and interpersonal skills to thrive in a new spot.
This isn’t unprecedented, either. Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid is known to give offensive subordinates – like Doug Pederson – play-calling duties to advance his career.
There’s no need for a title change or an early exit. But Rivera is not long for Washington and, possibly, the league itself. Doing right by Bieniemy and paying the help he’s received forward would be an admirable final accomplishment as an NFL head coach.
