KC Chiefs: Eric Bieniemy already top head coaching candidate
By Cullen Jekel
In Week One of the 2019, the KC Chiefs offense picked up right where it left off last season. By defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 40-26, the Chiefs tied an NFL record by scoring at least 26 points in 19 straight games.
That’s pretty outstanding, especially for Kansas City Chiefs fans.
It all starts with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but there’s much more to it, including, of course, head coach Andy Reid, a solid if unspectacular offensive line, The Legion of Zoom, and the best tight end in the NFL today.
And let’s not forget about an unsung member of the Chiefs coaching staff: second-year offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
The #Chiefs tied the NFL record today with their 19th straight game scoring at least 26 points.
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) September 8, 2019
They put up 40 on the road vs Jags to move Andy Reid to 5-0 in road openers with KC.
While Reid calls the plays, Bieniemy has a large role in creating and implementing the offensive attack that the Chiefs unleash on a weekly basis. As he told ESPN in June:
"[Reid] has a beautiful mind, and we all work hand-in-hand together. And he gives me the green light to do a number of things. I have input. I do scripts. I get the install. There are a number of things that I do."
On top of that, according to ChiefsWire, Mahomes, the team’s record-breaking quarterback and reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, told reporters that Bieniemy would “be an awesome head coach.” He added that Bieniemy “has that mindset, work ethic and determination you need to be a head coach in this league.”
According to ProFootballTalk, Bieniemy interviewed for four head coaching vacancies last season, with the Dolphins, Buccaneers, Bengals and Jets. While he didn’t land any of those gigs, as he interviewed, he still helped guide the Chiefs to scoring 62 points between two playoff games.
What also helps Bieniemy–a former nine-year NFL running back with the Chargers, Bengals and Eagles–is that the Andy Reid Coaching Tree is performing well right now, with Doug Pederson having won a Super Bowl with the Eagles, Matt Nagy quickly turning around the Bears, Sean McDermott deftly guiding the Bills, the Panthers’ Ron Rivera reaching Super Bowl 50, and John Harbaugh winning Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens.
Sure, some guys–like current Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo–flamed out as head coaches, but for the most part, Reid’s tree is bullying all of the other trees in the orchard.
Bieniemy will be next. But hopefully before he leaves, he helps Reid win that elusive Super Bowl ring.
Taking a look ahead, here are 10 teams that could be looking to hire Bieniemy come this offseason. Let’s start with five in the NFC before discussing five in the AFC.