Eric Bieniemy won two Super Bowls as offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs – and is now leaving the franchise for the US capital. There is an inordinate amount of buzz surrounding this move to the Washington Commanders.

When Eric Bieniemy was asked at his introductory press conference why he signed with the Washington Commanders, the new offensive coordinator had a quick answer ready: “Why not Washington?”

The 53-year-old then looked to the front row of the auditorium, where notable players from his new team were seated. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, running backs Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson, tight end Logan Thomas and quarterback Sam Howell.

“Look at all this talent,” he countered in the direction of the journalists present, “I’m excited about this opportunity. I have no doubt about what they’re trying to build here. I have never shied away from a challenge. “

Washington as a new beginning

The offensive specialist’s challenge is by no means small. Since 2016, the Commanders’ offense has never ranked better than 16th league-wide in passing yards or points. In the past three years under head coach Ron Rivera, there have been 22 wins with 27 losses and one draw. Because the franchise is also up for sale, 2023 absolutely must become a good season.

A season in which a new offensive coordinator, Bieniemy, is in charge. Literally, and contrary to his previous experience with the Kansas City Chiefs, where head coach Andy Reid had the final say in playcalling.

After successful years with the Chiefs, with whom Bieniemy won the Super Bowl twice and his quarterback Patrick Mahomes was also voted MVP twice, the 53-year-old is now taking on the challenge of the Commanders. A team with Sam Howell, a playmaker who countless NFL fans have probably never heard of, awaits him.

Bieniemy had been with the Chiefs since 2013, and his new start in Washington is now causing a big stir. But why?

No head coaching job again

Originally, one would think that the transfer of an offensive coordinator from one NFL team to another would be a comparatively unspectacular process. In this case, however, that doesn’t apply.

Because Bieniemy is not just any coordinator in the best football league in the world. He is the coordinator who has been the centre of attention every offseason for several years. When will he finally get his first head coaching job? That question has been asked again and again – for years. And yet, again, it hasn’t worked out. Despite a second Super Bowl win and a successful era to look back on.

He has already interviewed for the position of head coach with no less than 15 different teams – without success. He himself is outwardly calm. “It hasn’t happened yet. But it’s nothing that will affect me in the future. We can talk about all the head coach stuff next year. I’m focused on the task at hand,” he dutifully stated at the Commanders’ press conference.

Sharp criticism from McCoy

Why it hasn’t worked out yet with the jump to the top, many in the NFL are asking themselves by now. If LeSean McCoy has his way, there are good reasons. “What are his qualities as a coordinator? I’ve been there, others haven’t. He has nothing to do with the passing game. Andy Reid does all that,” the former Chiefs running back, who won the 2019 Super Bowl under Bieniemy, blasphemed on talk show Speak.

He added: “He’s also not the one correcting mistakes or talking in general. Now you go from the Chiefs, where you could hide behind Patrick Mahomes, to the Commanders, where you’re supposed to call plays? That can’t go well,” he put it in no uncertain terms.

The coach took the sharp criticism of his person calmly. “LeSean McCoy is a future Hall of Famer. Everybody is entitled to their own comments and their own opinion,” he said on “ESPN. “

Mahomes effusively praises Bieniemy

But while Bieniemy was reticent, he got eloquent support from several quarters at once. Longtime Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles declared that he “learned so many things from ‘EB’ and still keep in touch with him. He deserves to be a head coach”.

Former Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill also joined the discussion. “I think Shady is just mad because Bieniemy told him to hold onto the ball properly.” McCoy was known throughout his career for holding balls loosely and with only one hand.

But the Commanders’ new OC got the most important support from his longtime most important player, Patrick Mahomes.

“There should be no question about what a great man and coach Coach Bieniemy is. His leadership has had a direct impact on the player and person I am today,” the quarterback superstar gushed on Twitter.

He continued, “More than ten years learning under one of the greatest coaches of all time…and I can’t wait for him to continue to prove the doubters wrong. “

There should be no questions on how great of a man/coach Coach Bienemy is. His leadership has a direct impact on the player/person i am today! 10+ years learning under one of the greatest coaches of all time… and i cannot wait for him to continue to prove doubters wrong! https://t.co/hyCo3Bly9E

– Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 23, 2023

Commanders quarterback Howell is happy

Only time will tell if Bieniemy can find success in the difficult Washington environment, but the motivation among his new charges at least appears to be high.

“I’m very excited to get going. I’m a big fan of his. Hearing him talk here, I’m very impressed with him,” quarterback youngster Howell, who has only been on the field as a starter in one NFL game, said enthusiastically.

“Obviously, he’s coming from a team that’s had a lot of success, especially on offense. I’m looking forward to learning all that and getting going with him.” Words Bieniemy will be happy to hear.