The Washington Commanders requested permission to speak with seven assistants from other teams shortly after firing head coach Ron Rivera on Jan 9.
The Commanders interviewed Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver first. Last week, Washington interviewed Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
On Sunday, the Commanders interviewed Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
Beyond those seven names, it wasn’t certain if Washington would expand its list beyond these candidates. However, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, the Commanders interviewed a familiar face last week.
Anderson reported that Washington brass interviewed offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy last week. The interview was “detailed” and “checked all of the boxes.”
I’m told the #Commanders interviewed assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for their head coaching job last week, per source. The interview was labeled "detailed" and checked all of the boxes. pic.twitter.com/75h23A6FV5
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 21, 2024
Interviewing Bieniemy is not a surprise. It makes sense for owner Josh Harris and new GM Adam Peters to give Bieniemy a chance to make his pitch. And, per Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Harris and Peters both were involved in Bieniemy’s interview.
The #Commanders interviewed assistant HC/OC Eric Bieniemy for their HC position this week, sources tell @BleacherReport.
The meeting included owner Josh Harris, new GM Adam Peters and Bieniemy, who I’m told had an “excellent” and “highly detailed” approach. pic.twitter.com/jHE1UoZLJw
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 21, 2024
This doesn’t mean Washington will hire Bieniemy, but it does mean he has a chance. It’s also a good idea for Peters to speak with Bieniemy formally to gain some insight into Washington’s roster.
It’s the first known interview in this cycle for Bieniemy, who has interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs in the past.