Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy should turn down the Texans and Jack Easterby

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy needs to think twice about whether he wants to join the Houston Texans amid their dysfunction.

Cal McNair has hitched his wagon to Jack Easterby, and thus the fate of the Houston Texans for the foreseeable future.

In a recent interview with the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain, McNair doubled down that criticism aimed towards Eaterby was “unfair” and that he played an important role in the organization.

Following the departure of former coach and general manager Bill O’Brien, Easerby has come under major scrutiny as McNair swept house but retained the right-hand man of the quite possibly the most unpopular figure in franchise history.

In a Dec. 11, 2020, Sports Illustrated feature, authors Jenny Vrentas and Greg Bishop highlighted Easterby’s unpopular position within the organization, his broken trust amongst players, and an apparent key role in the departure of DeAndre Hopkins.

The situation appeared to reach a boiling point roughly a week ago when he hijacked the general manager search. After learning of his potential firing under new general Omar Kahn, Easterby was able to convince and pray with McNair to rather hire his old friend Nick Caserio from New England. All of this was done in spite of the conclusions of an extensive search firm and a promise to the franchises’ young superstar Deshaun Watson that he would be involved with the process.

Watson was, rightfully, furious and tweeted that “Some things never change,” after apparently only discovering the firing through an ESPN push notification. Franchise legend Andre Johnson came to support the team’s franchise cornerstone in a tweet on Wednesday.

A multitude of former and current Texans players liked, commented or reweeted Andre Johnson’s criticism of Easterby and how the Texans have been run — DJ Reader, Justin Reid, Duane Brown, Jadeveon Clowney, Jordan Akins, Tyrann Mathieu, Kareem Jackson, and Hopkins.

Now, as things stand, it will be up to Caserio and McNair to find an amicable solution with the disgruntled Watson that allows Easterby to remain in-house and keep his position of power. The solution that many are pointing to would be the hiring of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who was endorsed by Patrick Mahomes and supposedly the favorite candidate of Watson’s entering the offseason.

The Texans did not interview Bieniemy during the first window possible, much to the chagrin of fans and Watson alike. Many came out to say it was disrespectful not to request at this time period. However, a request was recently filed that will allow Houston to interview him whenever the Chiefs are eliminated from the playoffs, potentially as late as February.

Additionally, the Texans have recently interviewed David Culley of the Baltimore Ravens and Leslie Frazier of the Buffalo Bills. Both have extensive coaching history with Bieniemy, leading people to speculate Caserio is using the interviews as extensive vetting on the coach while he is unable to interview him.

Opinions regarding Bieniemy are varied. Some are reporting that he has interviewed poorly and may not receive a head coaching opportunity this cycle. Still others say he has had strong interviews and will be the top candidate following the conclusion of the Chiefs’ postseason. Bieniemy has more than paid his dues and is certainly deserving of an opportunity within the NFL.

As such, Bieniemy should not even entertain the Texans under these circumstances. The coach owes it to himself to ensure that his head coaching opportunity is one under fair terms where he will be allowed appropriate influence within the organization and there will be no meddling. That is far from a guarantee under the current front office structure. Allowing himself to potentially be Easterby’s latest pawn in a power-trip to retain status within the organization would be a mistake. Why take a job with unstable ownership, especially for a coordinator who should have a multitude of opportunities?

Bieniemy would be phenomenal for the Houston Texans organization and facilitate a quick resurgence to being competitive. However, the coach owes it to himself to seek a less toxic employment opportunity. Meanwhile, Texans fans will have to pray someone is willing to try to salvage what has quickly become one of the most toxic ownership/front-office groups in the league.