18 February 2023 , 22:08
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The Kansas City Chiefs may have just won the Super Bowl, but they've lost offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after the 53-year-old joined the Washington Commanders.
Bieniemy confirmed his switch to the Commanders on Friday, ending his 10-year stint with the Chiefs. Bieniemy joined the Chiefs alongside head coach Andy Reid back in 2013 and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018.
Two Super Bowl successes followed, but now Bieniemy will look to inspire change at a struggling franchise, and perhaps later move into a head coach role himself. It was a blow initially for the Chiefs, but they may already have his replacement ready and waiting.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Chiefs quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy has "quickly emerged as the top choice" to fill in Bieniemy's role. Nagy has already acted as Chiefs OC between 2016-2017 before the Chicago Bears swooped in to sign him as head coach.
It's a role that Nagy is happy to take, as NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo also reported that he's "had interest from other teams in recent weeks but knew he was likely in line" for Bieniemy’s job and has stayed put. With the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce in the offense, it's a very attractive role for any coach.
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Bieniemy left to achieve his own ambitions, and although he's been very successful with the Chiefs, he's been leading the offense in the shadow of coach Reid. At the Commanders, it's likely he will be left to his own devices to run the offense, with head coach Ron Rivera more defensive-minded.
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Bieniemy will now work alongside Ron Rivera at the CommandersIt's clear that becoming a head coach is an ambition for Bieniemy, and if he impresses in his new role then the opportunity may come his way. He made his intentions clear when asked about interviewing for the Indianapolis Colts vacancy in mid-January.
"Do I believe I’m qualified? Yes, I do," Bieniemy said back in January. "But that’s not the issue right now. The issue is making sure we’re taking care of business, and I’m doing my part in being accountable to those guys who are counting on me to be available, to be at my best when my best is needed."
The comments were made as the Chiefs prepared to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in their first play-off clash, and they certainly took care of business during that game and the weeks that followed. The Chiefs may be sad to see Bieniemy go, but they're more than happy with what he provided.
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