Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has long been viewed as one of the NFL's top assistants who's qualified and earned the opportunity to become a head coach. But, in spite of his glowing reputation and success in the league, no team has extended the 52-year-old an offer across the past five coaching cycles.
A portion of Brian Flores' racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL details Bieniemy's credentials, saying in part, "Without question, Mr. Bieniemy has the pedigree, track record, and reputation to make him a sought-after Head Coach." According to a recent ESPN report, the New Orleans Saints want to speak to Bieniemy about their opening, and an interview could occur soon.
"Some people believe, 'Is his opportunity winding down?' The sad part about the league is, it's a lot of the same teams bringing in new head coaches over the last several years," NFL Network reporter James Palmer told the Maggie and Perloff show on Friday. "Some of them are on another head coach when they're like, 'We interviewed Eric on the last go-round.' It's the same teams. Some people around the league think time might be running out for EB.
"It's interesting he doesn't get enough credit, at all, for what's gone on with Patrick Mahomes... He's just an interesting case study of what we're going through right now. He checks a lot of the boxes, and he's been a part of an organization and a development of what we're seeing as maybe the best quarterback on the planet. And he can't get a job as a head coach. I think he's a direct example of what Brian Flores is somewhat fighting for."
Bieniemy, who became offensive coordinator in 2018, has helped guide the Chiefs to four consecutive AFC title game appearances and one Super Bowl title (2019). In his four seasons, Kansas City's offense has scored the most points per game in the league (30.3), and racked up the most yards (404.2). This season, the unit ranked third in average yards (396.8), fourth in average points (28.2), and fourth in total points (480).
In his position with the Chiefs, Bieniemy has only mentored Mahomes. The former MVP completed 66.3-percent of his passes in 17 games this season, and racked up 4,839 yards with 37 touchdowns and 13 picks. Kansas City's campaign didn't end on a high note, however, as they suffered a surprising upset loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC title game last Sunday.
The entire NFL conversation between Palmer and Maggie and Perloff can be accessed in the audio player above.
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