"It feels like a new direction is coming across the board," a front-office source told ESPN this week. In Washington, the new Josh Harris-led ownership group appears prime to make big changes to the Commanders this coming offseason and while the future of general manager Martin Mayhew, executive vice president of player personnel Marty Hurney and Ron Rivera appears sealed, what comes of offensive coordinator/assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy?
While Sam Howell's growth appears a testament to the first-year play-caller, there has been a lot of criticism at the volume of passing plays (509, more than any other team in the league by some distance) and the scheme. And while Washington had put up points early in the season, the offense has scored 20 points or fewer in four of their last five outings, with four-straight defeats in that span.
"The losing has amplified some of the grumbling both about Bieniemy's style and playcalling," ESPN's story by John Keim and Jeremy Fowler reads, referencing the gruff and at times tough coaching Beineimy has been known for since he arrived in Washington. But the OC's defenders say that the complaints aren't fair to Bieniemy for trying to revitalize a system "with mediocre talent in some areas."
So what does that mean for Bieniemy's future with the Commanders? "I've said this before recently, I just don't think Eric Bieniemy's gonna be back here next year with the new regime," Sheehan said. "That would be my guess. I have no knowledge of that because nobody knows who is gonna be hired as the new general manager or new head coach."
Sheehan goes on to explain his reasoning – and why he doesn't see him becoming the next head coach of the Commanders, either – and get the thoughts from some Washington fans.
