The first interview in the Jets’ search to replace Adam Gase is in the books.
New York completed an interview with Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for its head-coaching vacancy Wednesday afternoon. He is the first candidate to officially interview for the job after the Jets fired Gase on Sunday.
We have completed an interview with Eric Bieniemy for our head coaching vacancy.
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— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 6, 2021
The Jets are not alone in their pursuit of Bieniemy, as the Falcons and Lions have also put in an interview request for him and conducted virtual interviews Monday. Kansas City’s OC since 2018, Bieniemy has interviewed for at least eight head coach openings since the start of the 2019 cycle. He interviewed with New York before it hired Gase.
While Bieniemy doesn’t call the plays in Kansas City, which has been a point of criticism for his candidacy, he has overseen the NFL’s best offense over the past three seasons and worked closely with Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs rank No. 1 in passing yards per game (303.4) and No. 6 in points per game (29.6).
Bieniemy doesn’t have experience as a head coach, but he’s been around the block. He spent time in the college coaching ranks with Colorado and UCLA, while also coaching with the Minnesota Vikings.
Joe Douglas and the Jets are casting a wide net for their search and will not rush such their decision That could help Bieniemy, whose Chiefs could play well into February.