A close friend to Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is standing on the table on his behalf.
"I don't understand why an organization hasn't chosen him yet," Alfred Williams told 106.7 The Fan's Brian Mitchell and JP Finlay. Williams has known Bieniemy since they first became teammates at the University of Colorado in 1987, and they won a national championship together in 1990.
"Before you ask the question, yes, he'd be a great offensive mind for you there with the Washington Commanders," Williams said. "Eric and I came in to the University of Colorado the same year, 1987, and we played all four years together, we were All-Americans together, we played in the league against each other for many years, and I hold him as one of my best friends. I was the captain of the national championship team. Eric was the star offensive player along with Mike Pritchard and Darian Hagan. What he's become as an assistant head coach is unbelievable. His demeanor. He's a tough ass dude."
"You need to hold people accountable," said BMitch. "Too many of these knuckleheads think they can do what the hell they want to do."
Williams and Bieniemy both went on two play in the NFL for a decade, and Williams won two Super Bowls with the Broncos. Williams is now a sports-radio host in Denver but says he still keeps in close contact with Bieniemy... after the season.
"Now BMitch, now you said it, now," Williams continued. "I have an issue here and once again, I'm talking about my friend, here. I have a problem here because we've had guys that have left Kansas City and the general manager that has gone on to have these important positions and not select Eric Bieniemy. And I have a problem with that, because they know what kind of person he is. He is a family man through and through. He is a tough-ass coach and he leaves no stone unturned."
"He is dedicated to the craft. He's talking about it all the time," he said. "As a matter of fact, I've told you I've known this guy since I was 18 years old. We don't talk until the football season is done. That's how serious he takes it, because he's watching film, man. He's doing something. And with the little time that he has away from football, he's with his family. I don't understand why an organization hasn't chosen him yet. I can guarantee you this: There have been some piss-poor decisions for head coaches out there and Eric Bieniemy certainly deserved it before a guy — I'm not gonna even mention his name, let's just say the coach out in [unintelligible]."
Finlay reported earlier Wednesday that if the Commanders choose to pursue Bieniemy for the OC vacancy, they may have to compete with plenty of other suitors and the starting asking price could be north of $2.5 million in annual salary. Williams was asked if he thinks Bieniemy would choose Washington.
"I don't know. Once again I told you we don't talk until after the season," Williams responded. "But I would imagine that it's time for him to exit Kansas City stage left. It's time to go. It's time for him to be seen as the offensive innovator that he is and I don't think that staying in Kansas City benefits him any longer.
"I mean, what are we talking about? We're talking about every time you mention the Kansas City Chiefs, you mention Andy Reid and his greatness. You don't mention the offensive coordinator, who is Eric Bieniemy. DeMeco Ryans took a job after being an assistant I think five or six years. Eric has been in this league almost 15 years or so. It should have been him some time ago, but I think once he gets to the next position that he has, people will understand and know what he's all about."
