Eric Bieniemy is the new offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. What’s a major win for the franchise is the next setback in an unfinished coaching career for the co-creator of the Chiefs’ championship-winning offense – commentary

Andy Reid is a career springboard for his assistants: Five former members of the training staff under the successful Kansas City Chiefs coach now work as head coaches in the NFL themselves.

Only for one did Andy Reid’s career turbo fizzle out: Eric Bieniemy.

The coordinator of the most exciting offensive the NFL has seen in decades is leaving the Chiefs after a total of ten years and two Super Bowl titles. But not to run a team himself, but to move back into the second tier with the Washington Commanders.

Although his new post means a raise for Bieniemy as well as more responsibility as offensive coordinator and assistant head coach under Ron Rivera, according to “ESPN”, this promotion is ultimately a demotion.

Still no head coach: NFL stars with incomprehension

Yes, Bieniemy gets to run the playcalling for the offense with the Commanders, unlike his Chiefs days. But Tyreek Hill and Robert Griffin III aren’t the only ones wondering: is this it?

As in previous years, the now 53-year-old was passed over for new head coaching positions. Bieniemy reported twelve interviews for head coach. In the end, other candidates got the nod.

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

Warm words for Bieniemy – chief post for others

This past offseason, therefore, Bieniemy grudgingly signed a new one-year contract with the Chiefs. But even in 2022, Reid kept a firm grip on the offensive sceptre. So firmly that Bieniemy apparently no longer saw a future with the champions.

Yet it was Bieniemy who, according to backup quarterback Chad Henne, taught the Chiefs offence the exact play that led them to two touchdowns and the title against the Philadelphia Eagles before the Super Bowl. Mastermind Andy Reid was celebrated for this.

The next low blow: of all people, the two losing Eagles coordinators Jonathan Gannon and Shane Steichen overtook Bieniemy on the career ladder and landed the last two vacant head coaching positions with the Arizona Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts.

Bieniemy, on the other hand, was left with warm words and a mini-promotion at the Commanders as a consolation prize.

For him, it’s Sam Howell instead of Patrick Mahomes in the future, a tough playoff battle with this year’s last-place team in the NFC East instead of dynasty care with the Chiefs.

And worst of all: still an assistant instead of head coach.