NFL Rumors: Commanders narrow down OC search to one key candidate
The Washington Commanders currently do not have an offensive coordinator for head coach Ron Rivera's staff. They recently fired Scott Turner and are in the process of interviewing a lot of candidates.
They haven't hired one yet, even though teams often move swiftly to fill assistant positions or promote from within. According to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, there's one key hangup in their search process.
The #Commanders have yet to hire an OC and one reason why: They’ve requested permission to interview #Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy and he’s emerged as a potential key candidate, sources say. He also was requested by the #Jets, #Titans and #Ravens for OC jobs.
Rapoport tweeted:
"The Commanders have yet to hire an OC and one reason why: They’ve requested permission to interview Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy and he’s emerged as a potential key candidate, sources say. He also was requested by the Jets, Titans and Ravens for OC jobs."
They reportedly like Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy. Bienemy has been linked to head coaching jobs in the past, even securing interviews.
Why the Washington Commanders are unlikely to get Eric Bienemy
The Chiefs offensive coordinator hasn't been hired and now it appears as if the Commanders would like to make sure he's interviewed before they make any decision.
However, it's probably not very likely that Bienemy will accept the job with Washington, the Baltimore Ravens, New York Jets or Tennessee Titans.
It would be a lateral move to change teams and stay the same position. Why would Bienemy flee what is arguably the best offense in the league for the same position elsewhere?
There are upsides to each spot, but they also have major downsides. Washington doesn't have a reliable quarterback.
Neither do the Jets or arguably the Titans, who also have no pass-catchers. The Ravens, if they can re-sign Lamar Jackson, have only a quarterback and nothing else.
No situation is better than the Chiefs one right now, so Bienemy likely wouldn't want to uproot to stay an OC. Nevertheless, Washington is intent on at least talking to him first before they make their decision.
It just seems very likely they'll have to consider one of their other interviews since a move from Kansas City doesn't seem fruitful for Bienemy.
Those other interviews include Pat Shurmur, Charles London, Darrell Bevell, Anthony Lynn and many others.