The Washington Commanders fired offensive coordinator Scott Turner two days after the 2022 season ended on Jan. 10. Almost three weeks later; the Commanders still do not have an offensive coordinator.
Head coach Ron Rivera is taking his time in the process, interviewing numerous candidates, some with plenty of experience, with others looking for their first opportunity to call plays. Pat Shurmur, Ken Zampese, Charles London, Eric Studesville, Thomas Brown and Anthony Lynn are the candidates who have interviewed with Rivera.
Last week, it was revealed that Rivera would like to interview Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. However, Rivera must wait another week with the Chiefs playing in the Super Bowl.
While Rivera likely knows who he’d like to hire from the group he’s already interviewed, he’s committed to speaking with Bieniemy before hiring anyone.
And, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Bieniemy is a legitimate contender for Washington’s vacant offensive coordinator position.
“I think Bieniemy is really in play for a play-calling or OC job, a couple of different places,” Rapoport said Thursday on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “Baltimore and, I think, the Commanders is really one to consider. So you’d be like, ‘he’s already an OC; why would he leave Mahomes?’ He shares play-calling with Andy Reid, he does a lot of it, but he shares it.”
If Bieniemy lands in Washington, he’d have full control of the offense, something he doesn’t necessarily have in Kansas City with Reid. While he’d inherit a much different quarterback situation with the Commanders, a successful 2023 season in Washington could finally be what Bieniemy needs to land a head-coaching opportunity.
So don’t expect Washington to name a new offensive coordinator next week. It shouldn’t be long after the Super Bowl until we know who is the Commanders’ offensive coordinator for 2023, whether that’s Bieniemy or someone else.
