Could Washington Commanders' Eric Bieniemy, New England Patriots' Bill Belichick Trade Teams?
While it appears that Ron Rivera will coach the Washington Commanders for the remainder of the season, it's perhaps the worst-kept secret in the sport that owner Josh Harris will be searching for a new coach when a disappointing campaign concludes.
Increasingly, it appears that the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick will go their separate ways after 24 season together as well. While the exact manner of the split between the Patriots and Belichick is still to be determined -- whether it's a firing, parting of ways or trade -- it does seem that a 3-10 season will be the final campaign for the legendary coach in Foxborough.
Could Bill Belichick coach the Washington Commanders in 2024?
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At 71, Belichick could choose to retire this offseason, although there's little evidence that's what he plans to do. Between the regular and postseason, Belichick has 332 career wins as a coach. He's chasing the all-time record of 347 held by Miami Dolphins' icon Don Shula, so he has motivation to continue coaching despite already having six Super Bowl titles on his resume.
There's also been speculation that the aforementioned Harris would like to make a splash as he puts his stamp on the organization. Maybe he'll promote offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to coach, but his ownership group inherited this entire coaching staff and may feel inclined to go external in their first hire.
The Los Angeles Chargers now have a coaching vacancy after firing Brandon Staley Friday, in addition to a front office in flux with general manager Tom Telesco also being relieved of his duties. But the Commanders -- likely to have openings in both positions relatively soon -- have been speculated upon as a landing spot for Belichick.
Is it possible that Belichick coaches the Commanders in 2024, and Bieniemy finally gets his shot to lead a team in New England? Never say never, but there are reasons to bet against such an outcome.
Harris may very well be intrigued by the idea of trying to land Belichick as he tries to re-legitimize the organization post-Daniel Snyder. Still, Harris and any ownership group interested in Belichick will have to ask themselves how things have gone south so badly in New England post-Tom Brady, and why things will be different at a new stop. Will Belichick want control over personnel?
In theory, that should be a dealbreaker given the status of New England's roster under his guidance. And if Belichick gets the band back together in Washington or anywhere else in building his coaching staff -- think Josh McDaniels, Bill O'Brien, Matt Patricia and his son, Steve -- is that a good enough group to preside over a championship contender in today's game?
Still, we would argue that it's more likely Belichick is coaching the Commanders in 2024 than Bieniemy is leading the Patriots. Granted, BetOnline.ag actually gives Bieniemy +900 odds to be New England's next coach. But if Robert and Jonathan Kraft may feel the need to have less of a military mindset post-Belichick, Bieniemy may not be the right fit. That's not to say Bieniemy isn't an excellent coach long deserving of an opportunity to lead a team, but he's intense and may just not be the right fit in New England post-Belichick.
Additionally, Patriots inside linebackers coach Jerod Mayo is perceived to be the favorite to succeed Belichick. New England will still have to go through a full coaching search, and they may decide against someone who played for and coached under Belichick. But until we hear otherwise, Mayo would probably be the best bet over the field.
What could happen is that Bieniemy is looking for a new gig this offseason, if the next coaching staff in Washington chooses not to retain him. Maybe he would be a fit to be Mayo's offensive coordinator in New England, if a better opportunity doesn't present itself elsewhere.
