Eric Bieniemy lost his job less than a year after leaving the Kansas City Chiefs for the Washington Commanders. At Monday's inaugural press conference, new Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Bieniemy, who will serve as Washington's assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 2023, will not stay on. The Commanders have hired former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator. Mr. Quinn said Monday that he had a “good visit” with Mr. Bieniemy. “I think he's a great coach. He's not going to work with us here,” Quinn said. “I wanted him to know that I respect the work he's done and wish him the best of luck.” Bieniemy, 54, has been on the Chiefs' staff for 10 years, starting in 2013-2017. He served as running backs coach until 2018, and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018. Head coach Andy Reid remained the Chiefs' offensive play caller. Bieniemy, who is black, had several interviews for the head coaching position, but he was not offered the job. He accepted the Washington position as an opportunity to build his own staff and call plays after the Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl last year. The manager went to 4 wins and 13 losses in 2023, ending his losing streak at 8. Head coach Ron Rivera was fired after the season. Bieniemy, who interviewed for the head coaching role that was ultimately assigned to Quinn, was fired even though he had one year left on his contract. For the commander, 2024 could be the beginning of a new era. Josh Harris purchased the team from Dan Snyder last year. The new ownership group has hired Adam Peters as general manager. Washington holds the No. 2 pick in the draft and is a strong candidate to select a franchise quarterback. Peters said he and Quinn “share a vision of building a team with the style of play and identity that you want to watch.” Quinn, who led the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance during his six years as head coach, spent the past three seasons as the Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator and was a popular candidate for head coaching interviews. His new position will see him move to an NFC East rival. “It was like a flashing light for me,” Quinn said Monday. “This is the moment. This is the moment.'' Quinn hired Dallas secondary coach Joe Witt Jr. as defensive coordinator and said Monday that Witt would dictate defensive plays. –Field level media
