The Chiefs have promoted running backs coach Eric Bieniemy to offensive coordinator, the club announced today. Bieniemy will replace Matt Nagy, who has moved on to become the new head coach of the Bears. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) was the first to indicate a Bieniemy promotion was likely.
Last year, the Chiefs ranked fifth in total offense under Nagy’s command. Bieniemy will be tasked with keeping the offense flowing, though it remains to be seen who his quarterback will be. The Chiefs could explore trades for Alex Smith, opening the door for young Patrick Mahomes III to take over.
Bieniemy, who enjoyed a nine-year playing career before entering the coaching ranks, has been with Kansas City since 2013. Prior to that, the 45-year-old served as the offensive coordinator at Colorado, so he does offer play-calling experience. Whether or not Bieniemy will actually call plays with the Chiefs — something head coach Andy Reid is known to do — is unknown.
As PFR’s 2018 Coordinator Tracker indicates, the Chiefs never considered any other candidates for their vacant OC job, as Bieniemy was said to have the “inside track” from the outset of the search.
I wonder if he can get Andy Reid’s 2-minute offense to be under 10 minutes long.
It’s a good thing EB is African-American. Had he been Caucasian this would be a clear violation of the Rooney rule. I hope he performs well in his new role. I’m not trying to start a ruckus just pointing out a clear double standard.