The Washington Commanders introduced new head coach Dan Quinn Monday, and right away he had to clarify a strange situation — the role of Eric Bieniemy.
Quinn said Bieniemy will not be working with the Commanders this season.
“I had a chance to visit with him today … we won’t work together here … [But] I wanted him to know I respect the work he’s done. I wish him nothing but the best,” Quinn said.
Bieniemy, the longtime offensive coordinator with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Commanders in that role last season, had interviewed for the team’s head coaching position. He’s long been expected to land an NFL head coaching role somewhere.
Bieniemy was still officially listed as the Commanders offensive coordinator on Monday. Yet the team hired former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury for that role Sunday, raising questions about Bieniemy. Kingsbury’s hire made a splash, with even NBA star — and Commanders fan — Kevin Durant going on social media to praise the move.
Unless the Commanders planned to pursue a radical new strategy of employing two offensive coordinators, something had to give.
That something turned out to be Bieniemy, who now apparently finds himself on the OC market when the musical chairs game has almost finished.
Quinn said he’d been following Kingsbury’s coaching career for years.
“Kliff has always been somebody I’ve kept up with … we’re really pumped that he’s going to be a part of it. Everyone talks about his acumen with quarterbacks, but he’s an excellent coach,” Quinn said.
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About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.