Another hiring cycle for NFL head coaches has ended, and Eric Bieniemy did not get any serious consideration again.
14 teams have invited him for interviews over the last four cycles, including the New York Jets twice.
In this cycle, the Denver Broncos and the New Orleans Saints added to that count.
However, Nathaniel Hackett and Dennis Allen filled those respective positions.
Here are the teams Eric Bieneimy has interviewed for in four year cycle. 14 of 31 NFL teams not named the #Chiefs . pic.twitter.com/ncRolIPjkU
— Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) February 7, 2022
Aside from not landing a head coaching job, his future in the NFL becomes murkier when his contract as Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator expires after this season.
The Chiefs will have the advantage in bringing him back, especially after a bitter ending at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals.
But as long as Bieniemy hasn’t signed, here are three teams that must strongly consider hiring him.
3. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings decided to clean house when they fired head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman.
They’ve filled those positions with Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
While O’Connell will have a hand in play-calling, he would need a helping hand in unleashing Kirk Cousins, Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, and Dalvin Cook.
Eric Bieniemy’s contract with the #Chiefs has reportedly expired according to @TomPelissero
Should the #Vikings attempt to bring him in as their new offensive coordinator? pic.twitter.com/I1Qd9DsayW
— The Viking Age (@TheVikingAge) February 7, 2022
Enter Bieniemy, the Vikings’ running backs coach from 2006 to 2010 under offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and head coach Brad Childress.
During those years, he mentored the likes of Naufahu Tahi, Chester Taylor, and Adrian Peterson.
O’Connell and Bieniemy can work together to elevate Minnesota’s underperforming offense that stalled for large parts last season.
2. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns took a step back after making the playoffs in 2020.
Regardless of the reason for their downfall, it’s evident that they need some fresh ideas to get their offense going.
Therefore, the Browns should explore the possibility of firing Alex Van Pelt for Bieniemy.
Cleveland has one of the best backfield units in the league, and Bieniemy can lend his wisdom to make Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, and D’Ernest Johnson become a burden to opposing defenses.
Eric Bieniemy should be a HC. He only coaches the best quarterback and the most explosive offense in football. Bieniemy has been blessed to learn under the offensive guru that is Andy Reid. I think he would do wonders with those weapons in Cleveland.
— Mark Gunnels (@MarkAGunnels) January 7, 2020
While Kevin Stefanski still calls the plays for the Browns, he must get new perspectives from a brilliant football mentor like Bieniemy.
Likewise, his presence may help Baker Mayfield become more comfortable as a leader, just like how he helped Patrick Mahomes become one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
More importantly, he can generate ideas on making their passing game mesh with their run-first philosophy.
His inputs are invaluable, considering they play in a division that doesn’t have a shortage of talented receivers.
1. Las Vegas Raiders
Reports have it that new Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels will be interviewing Browns tight ends coach Drew Petzing for the offensive coordinator position.
But until that’s not final, he might want to consider Bieniemy for the role.
If this scenario does happen, McDaniels can focus on the passing game while Bieniemy takes care of their ground attack.
Next #Raiders coach? The Chiefs will get it together and start winning. Eric Bieniemy will get some looks again. Would anyone be shocked if Mark Davis wanted to do something to help his team and hurt the Chiefs? #RaiderNation #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/dD218o0Re4
— Todd Harmonson (@tharmonson) October 12, 2021
Likewise, the Raiders would need all the information they can get to defeat their AFC West opponents.
McDaniels can acquire that knowledge by hiring a coach who has been with rival Kansas City since 2013.
Aside from the insider details about the Chiefs, he will also have some valuable observations on how the Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers conduct their offense.
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