Category: Coaching Hires

Is Andy Reid nudging Eric Bieniemy out of Kansas City?

While Reid likes and respects Bieniemy, it sure seems like he’s eager for him to move on.

Apparently, one day of dialog/interview with Eric Bieniemy was not enough.

After interviewing much of the day, it was determined that Eric Bieniemy would continue his interview Friday with the Commanders.

Ben Standig reported that things were said to have gone well and will continue Friday.

The Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator is in town to interview for the Washington Commanders offensive coordinator position. There is still an aspect of this that has many shaking their heads, attempting to figure out how things are going for Bieniemy.

Many have questioned why Bieniemy would leave coaching Patrick Mahomes for a lateral move to a team where the coaching staff is not guaranteed more than the upcoming season due to the imminent sale of the Commanders by Daniel Snyder.

Reid hired Bieniemy in 2013 to coach running backs, which he did for five seasons (2013-2017). When Matt Nagy was hired away by the Bears, Reid promoted Bieniemy to offensive coordinator in 2018, the role he has held for five seasons (2018-2022).

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid this week was lauding Bieniemy, proclaiming that other teams should hire him so that he can do his thing. This has raised legitimate questions as Reid reportedly might be anxious himself to move on from Bieniemy back to Nagy as his offensive coordinator.

Nagy returned to the Chiefs this season following four seasons as Bears head coach (2018-2021). Nagy had coached the Bears to a successful 12-4 2018 season. However, in the next three seasons, the Bears won 8,8 and 6 games.

Reid had hired Nagy in 2013 as quarterbacks coach. After four seasons (2013-2016)  Reid promoted Nagy to offensive coordinator for the 2017 season.

Bieniemy interviewed this cycle for the Indianapolis Colts head coach position and was thought to be a candidate for the Ravens offensive coordinator. However, the Ravens hired Todd Monken to fill that role.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

The Cardinals want to interview Commanders WR coach for offensive coordinator

Could the Commanders be losing another position coach?

New Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon is wasting no time putting together his first NFL staff. Gannon reached out to the Washington Commanders with a request to interview one of their bright, young offensive coaches.

On Thursday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Gannon wants to interview Washington wide receivers coach Drew Terrell for his vacant offensive coordinator position with the Cardinals.

Terrell, 31, began his coaching career in 2014 as a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech. From 2015-17, Terrell was a graduate assistant at Michigan before landing with the Carolina Panthers under Ron Rivera in 2018 as an offensive quality control assistant.

After two years in that role, Rivera brought Terrell with him to Washington in 2020. After one year as the assistant wide receivers coach, Rivera promoted Terrell to wide receivers coach in 2021. In his three seasons with Washington, Terrell has coached Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, Cam Sims and others. He’s widely lauded as an up-and-coming coaching star.

Terrell played wide receiver at Stanford under Jim Harbaugh and David Shaw.

If Gannon hires Terrell, it would be the third coach the Commanders have lost since the end of the season. Washington fired offensive coordinator Scott Turner and lost DBs coach Chris Harris to the Tennessee Titans.

With Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy currently interviewing for Washington’s OC job, he may prefer to bring in some of his own assistants.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Might Commanders coach desire to reunite with Derek Carr?

Derek Carr has one significant tie to a member of Washington’s coaching staff.

Sometimes it’s who you know.

Coaches hire coaches with whom they’ve worked previously. Coaches often seek out a player who previously played for them.

With that in mind, despite the fact that Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was adamant the Commanders would not be in the quarterback market this year shopping for a high-priced quarterback, might one of his coaching staff like to have Derek Carr?

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was the Oakland Raiders head coach for three seasons (2015-17). Released by the Raiders Tuesday,  Carr, a nine-year NFL veteran, started for Del Rio and the Raiders during those same three seasons.

In each of those three seasons coached by Del Rio, Carr earned a Pro Bowl spot. In 2015, Carr passed for 32 touchdowns with 13 interceptions as the Raiders finished the season at 7-9. The following season, the Raiders were 12-4 (12-3 in the 15 games Carr played) as Carr passed for 28 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. Slipping back to 6-10 in 2017, Carr passed for 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Del Rio was fired following the 2017 season, took off the 2018 and 2019 seasons, and was hired by Rivera to be Washington’s defensive coordinator in 2020.

Del Rio might like to be reunited with Carr as he would certainly bring nine years of NFL starting quarterback experience to the Commanders offense, which struggled mightily at the position in many games this past season.

However, Dan Snyder is attempting to sell the Commanders. Why would he be interested in paying out a large sum of money to sign and pay Carr upfront and then have no opportunity to reap the benefits himself?

Rivera has already made himself clear the Commanders are not going to be shopping, and Carr, being a free agent, is going to have a few teams who will aggressively pursue the former Raiders quarterback because Carr would be an upgrade in their quarterback room.

Who might have the money and might be interested and also in need of a quarterback? Well, the Jets and Bucs immediately come to mind. If Geno Smith signs elsewhere, Seattle might be a good fit for Carr. The Colts need a quarterback, but they might be content to draft one in the first round.

Del Rio and Carr might like to reunite, but this year doesn’t appear to be good timing for the Commanders. Look for Carr to sign elsewhere where he can make much more money.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Commanders prospective owners approached Sean Payton?

Did Sean Payton cross the line with his comments regarding the Commanders last week?

Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton revealed Friday on the “Adam Schein Show” that he has been approached regarding two NFL coaching jobs, other than the one he accepted in Denver.

Payton revealed he had been recently contacted regarding the head coaching jobs in New Orleans and Washington.

Problem is both are jobs already being held by fellow NFL head coaches Dennis Allen and Ron Rivera.

In addition, Payton voluntarily interjected that potential groups (plural) of prospective owners of the Washington Commanders had approached him.

Not only is Allen currently employed by the Saints, but it was Payton himself who hired Allen to his 2006 Saints staff. Allen then coached for six years with Payton before leaving to become the Broncos defensive coordinator and then the Raiders head coach.

Later, there was Payton, re-hiring Allen to his Saints coaching staff again, where he served seven seasons before taking over for Payton as head coach following the 2021 season.

Rivera has been the Washington head coach for three seasons, and with the looming sale of the Commanders, speculation has arisen about how the new ownership would take to Rivera.

Friday, Payton was voluntarily revealing publicly that he was wanted for these two jobs, currently held by Allen and Rivera.

Had Payton considered how Allen and Rivera might hear this news? Had he considered what might be the best way for Allen and Rivera to learn there are those talking of how those two could be replaced?

Did Payton consider for a moment, if the shoe were on the other foot, and it was he, Payton himself, whom others were looking to replace, how would he want to first hear about this? As a result, had he already privately in friendship informed both Allen and Rivera?

2000 years ago, a Jewish teacher, Jesus Christ, was recorded as instructing his followers, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.“ Matthew 7:12

Notice he did not simply say, “don’t do unkind things.” Jesus actually went further and said the way to live in relation to your neighbor is to be proactive, to take positive action in treating others as you yourself would like to be treated.

I was uncomfortable with Payton’s public revelation of how he is in demand. But it also reminded me of how I so often don’t treat others as I would like to be treated.

So rather than simply pointing the finger at Payton, perhaps it could remind us that when we honestly look in the mirror, aren’t we all guilty on this one? Don’t each of us fall short, far short, of seeking to honor our neighbors and treat them with honor as we ourselves would want to be treated?

Commanders Ron Rivera: ‘We are in a holding pattern right now’

The Commanders are in a holding pattern at offensive coordinator until after the Super Bowl.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera stated to Julie Donaldson the search for the new offensive coordinator will pick up again next week.

Donaldson, Senior Vice President of Media and Content for the Commanders, said, “Most notably, you have been busy trying to find an offensive coordinator. Where are we in that search?”

“Well, where we are right now is we’re in a little bit of a holding pattern right now,” replied Rivera. “You know, I’ve talked to a number of coaches, and I’ve interviewed six of them specifically in person.”

“I am waiting for somebody that’s in this game this weekend, and once we get past that game, we’ll get an opportunity to hopefully visit very carefully. (We will) get an opportunity to interview and then take a step back and make a decision.”

Eric Bieniemy, the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, is to whom coach Rivera was referring. Bieniemy was the offensive coordinator twice in his coaching career. He led the offense for the Colorado Buffaloes for two seasons (2011 and 2012) and the Kansas City Chiefs (2018-2022).

Earlier this week, Rivera, when asked about Bieniemy as a possible offensive coordinator in Washington, stated, “From what you’re hearing on the grapevine, he’s looking for an opportunity to work with a defensive coach. So I want to see about that opportunity.”

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Commanders, Rivera searching elsewhere this offseason

The Commanders will have a different approach to the game’s most important position this offseason.

The third year will bring a third approach by the Washington Commanders to their offseason program of obtaining their next quarterback.

Following the 2020 season, the Commanders liked what they had seen from Taylor Heinicke in the playoff game loss to Tampa Bay, so the Commanders signed Heinicke to a two-year contract to be the veteran backup. They also went out and signed veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick to be the starter.

However, when Fitzpatrick could not make it through one half of one game during the 2021 season, Heinicke started 15 games, and Washington went shopping again in the offseason. Rivera and general manager Martin Mayhew informed all of the league they would be calling to see if there was a quarterback available for the Commanders.

The Colts wanted to rid themselves of Carson Wentz, and the Commanders were more than happy to take Wentz off the Colts’ hands, offering to swap down five spots in the 2022 NFL draft’s second round and unload two third-round choices that could become second-round choices based upon performance.

However, the Carson Wentz experiment did not go well for Washington. He was injured in the sixth game at Chicago. Heinicke then started 9 games as the Commanders went 5-1-1 in his first seven games. However, an 0-2-1 stretch resulted in Heinicke being benched against the 49ers and Rivera turning back to Wentz against the Browns.

Sam Howell started the last game though it had been leaked that week that Rivera and the coaching staff did not believe Howell was ready. Yet, Howell performed well enough that Rivera suddenly did a 180, announcing Howell would be the starter going into the offseason programs.

Thus, Wednesday, Rivera let it be known the Commanders will not be shopping this offseason, looking to spend big bucks for a starting quarterback. They are really going to give Howell every opportunity to win the job.

Will Taylor Heinicke be re-signed to a veteran backup-role contract? Will the Commanders draft for a backup on day two or three of the draft? Will the Commanders look for a veteran on the cheap who can mentor Howell and be on-call if needed?

Perhaps this year, what they are going after is not a quarterback but an offensive coordinator who will require a big salary?

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Commanders target Bieniemy interviewed for a head-coaching job

Washington wants to talk to Bieniemy, but his No. 1 focus is the Super Bowl and then head-coaching opportunities.

While the Washington Commanders have made it no secret they are interested in interviewing Eric Bieeniemy, he made it clear Tuesday that he has interviewed for a head coaching position.

The Kansas City offensive coordinator was the subject of more than a few interviews Tuesday during Super Bowl week in Glendale, Arizona.

Bieniemy himself was being asked about his NFL coaching future as well, Tuesday. At one point, Bieniemy was asked not if he wanted to go elsewhere next season but if he wanted to be back with the Chiefs.

The former Colorado Buffalo running back replied, “Here’s the thing, I’ll have that conversation with Coach Reid at that particular time. … Obviously, I’ve known Coach Reid for damn near half my life. We’ll sit down and have a talk, and we’ll talk about everything.”

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was very insistent that the current Chiefs offensive coordinator, Bieniemy, was “past deserved,” having already proven in Mahomes’ mind he should have been hired by someone to be a head coach.

Washington’s Ron Rivera and Martin Mayhew are said to be interested in Bieniemy for the vacant offensive coordinator position for the Commanders. It remains a tough sell why Bieniemy would leave the hugely successful Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes for a team like Washington, which has not had a winning season since Kirk Cousins was behind center for the Burgundy and Gold.

Bieniemy also made it clear he has interviewed for the Indianapolis Colts head coaching position. So, if a move is in order for Bieniemy, it remains a challenge for some of us to believe he would come to Washington on a lateral move, with no guarantee of a 2024 job, when he could stay with Mahomes or accept a head-coaching position.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

One Commanders’ offensive coordinator candidate is off the board

Charles London lands a new job.

The Washington Commanders have formally interviewed at least six known candidates for their vacant offensive coordinator position. Pat Shurmur, Ken Zampese, Charles London, Eric Studesville, Thomas Brown and Anthony Lynn have each had formal interviews with head coach Ron Rivera and Washington.

The Commanders fired former offensive coordinator Scott Turner over three weeks ago and appear no closer to hiring his replacement. However, Washington wants to speak with Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy but will have to wait until after the Super Bowl to speak with him in an official capacity.

While the Commanders wait for Bieniemy, one of the aforementioned contenders landed a new job on Tuesday. London, the Falcons quarterbacks coach, accepted the pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach job with the Tennessee Titans.

London was believed to have interviewed for Tennessee’s offensive coordinator position, but the Titans promoted Tim Kelly to offensive coordinator and also brought in London. London was the offensive coordinator for the American team at last week’s Senior Bowl and earned major praise.

The Commanders liked London, who was coming from Atlanta, which had one of the more impressive running games in the NFL last season. However, he was not likely to be the team’s hire. Bieniemy [if he wants it], Shurmur and Zampese would appear to be the frontrunners for the Commanders.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Chris Harris officially departs the Commanders

It’ll be the Titans or Texans for Chris Harris.

Chris Harris spent the past three seasons as the defensive backs coach for the Washington Commanders. Last month, Harris departed the Commanders to take a role with the Tennessee Titans as their new passing game coordinator/cornerbacks coach.

Or did he?

Harris never officially left Washington, as he held a firm offer from the Titans he planned on taking if he didn’t land a defensive coordinator position elsewhere. Harris also interviewed with the Chicago Bears for secondary coach/passing game coordinator and with the 49ers for their vacant defensive coordinator position.

In addition, Harris interviewed with the Houston Texans and new head coach Demeco Ryans for their defensive coordinator position. If Harris doesn’t land that job, he will start with the Titans immediately.

So it sounds like the Titans are in limbo at the moment.

Washington has yet to announce a replacement for Harris, but that move is expected to come from within the staff. Assistant defensive backs coach Richard Rodgers, assistant defensive backs/nickel Brent Vieselmeyer and defensive quality control assistant Cristian Garcia could all be in line for a promotion. Vieselmeyer and Garcia were spotted on the field with defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio at the Senior Bowl last week.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Will Scott Turner and Taylor Heinicke reunite again?

Could Taylor Heinicke follow Scott Turner to Las Vegas?

The Raiders hired Scott Turner as a passing game coordinator on Friday.

Wouldn’t you know it, Taylor Heinicke is now a free agent. You see, the two have worked together now three previous times.

Heinicke was getting no interest and was going to be undrafted in 2015.

Heinicke would have one NFL coach come to see him on his scheduled Old Dominion University pro day, and that lone coach was Turner.

Turner, the son of former Redskins head coach Norv Turner was coaching quarterbacks for the Minnesota Vikings. He had heard about this kid from tiny Old Dominion and his college career. Heinicke had passed for 14,959 yards, 132 touchdowns, 1,338 completions, on a sizzling 73.1 completion percentage, and 7 touchdown passes in a single game.

Heinicke indeed went undrafted but signed with the Vikings in 2015 and played some in the preseason, but was not on the active regular-season roster.

The former ODU Monarch was briefly with the Texans in 2017, appearing in one game, completing one pass for ten yards. Next, he again joined up with Turner, this time in Carolina in 2018, making one start and completing 35 of 57 passes for 320 yards.

Late in the 2020 season, when Denver lost three quarterbacks due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Turner (with Washington) connected again with  Heinicke and found him taking classes, staying on his sister’s couch.

Now three seasons later, Heinicke with Washington started 24 games for a record of 12-11-1. He passed for 5,415 yards on a 64.0 completion percentage. His touchdown/interception ratio has been 33:21.

Heinicke’s value might have gone up considerably, seeing Washington was 5-3-1 in games he started. Then again, he really struggled at times, and the Commanders seemed to win sometimes despite his inconsistent play.

The Raiders and Derek Carr seemed to be in a spat and are separated, looking to divorce. Will Turner’s influence and Heinicke’s availability result in the two reuniting a fourth time in the NFL?

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]