Is the Washington Commanders' exhausting offensive coordinator search one of due diligence, smoke screening or waiting for Eric Bieniemy?
Interviewing a half dozen candidates seems excessive given coach Ron Rivera certainly knows who he wants. But, there's nothing wrong with talking to several people to get a fresh outside perspective on the offense. Maybe they see something differently and can fix it?
Maybe Rivera really just wants to keep quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese. However, to deflect criticism of hiring only friends and family, is Rivera creating an illusion of looking everywhere only to promote from within? (See Dan Snyder's hiring of Jim Zorn after considering 50 people.)
Or, maybe Rivera was doing backup interviews while waiting for Bieniemy, who will be available after five years as Kansas City's offensive coordinator. His contract will expire after the Super Bowl.
Certainly, Bieniemy would be the big name the Commanders always want. But, why would Bieniemy want Washington if he has options?
If Rivera is out next year, maybe the new owner would consider promoting Bieniemy if the offense plays well this fall. That would certainly be easier for the owners. It would keep the offensive system in place for players, too. So, maybe Bieniemy sees a possible one-year job as a stepping stone to the big office. Conversely, Rivera wouldn't mind having a top offensive mind recharge the offense because a winning record allows him to stay.
Washington's offense has a strong trio of receivers and two solid running backs. However, the interior offensive line could use three starters and the only quarterback on the roster is Sam Howell with one game of experience.
If Washington can draft or sign free agents for the line, this offense has a chance of success. But, Bieniemy has benefited from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid being heavily involved in play-calling, so how good is the offensive coordinator on his own? It's similar to the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick argument.
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But, there are a couple of questions. Seventeen teams have interviewed or requested interviews with Bieniemy since 2019. Why didn't one hire him? Certainly, it's often cited among the allegations of racism by NFL owners. Perhaps Bieniemy preferred to stay with a great Chiefs organization rather than accept one of the offers.
Bieniemy also faced legal troubles four times from 1988-93. Certainly, he's a different person now three decades later, but legal troubles sometimes never go away. One of my close friends can't drive for major shipping companies because of a 1979 felony conviction. Doesn't seem fair, but that's how the world works.
Bieniemy would certainly grow fan interest so the wait is worthwhile if Washington interviews him. Otherwise, it's time for Rivera to make a choice that will be unpopular in a polarized fan base.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
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