The Washington Commanders are among several teams waiting to talk to Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after Super Bowl LVII. Washington requested to interview Bieniemy for its offensive coordinator vacancy.
The Commanders may face competition and a heavy price if they want his services.
According to NBC Sports Washington’s JP Finlay, Bieniemy will have multiple opportunities and could land a salary “north of $2.5 million.”
Will the Commanders fork over that type of pay for an offensive coordinator? Commanders head coach Ron Rivera met with owner Dan Snyder last month to hash out plans for the 2023 season. Rivera mentioned “budget” would be discussed as part of that conversation.
Budget talks could be the norm in those meetings, but that’s a term neither coaches nor general managers use publicly. The Commanders are up for sale, and a transaction could happen “sooner than later.”
A potential sale could play a factor in a budget. Rivera is looking to hit a home run at offensive coordinator after firing Scott Turner. Washington interviewed Pat Shurmur, Thomas Brown, Charles London, Eric Studesville and Commanders quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese for the position.
Rivera is entering Year 4 as the Commanders head coach. Washington has not had a winning season under Rivera, and he appears to be on the hot seat next season with a potential new owner coming in. He’s looking to find a coordinator who will revamp the offense and do so without truly knowing what quarterback will be under center.
The Commanders reportedly told candidates to plan for Sam Howell to be the starting quarterback. It’s hard to believe Rivera would hitch his make-or-break season on a QB drafted in the fifth round the previous year.
Those factors could contribute to the chances of Washington persuading Bieniemy. The Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans have also requested interviews with Bieniemy. The Ravens have 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson at quarterback, and the Titans have been the standard team in the AFC South under head coach Mike Vrabel.
However, Finlay notes that the belief around the league is Washington could win 10-11 games with “average QB play.” That could be a selling point for Bieniemy. Washington’s decision for offensive coordinator will hinge on their opportunity to talk to Bieniemy.
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