LA Chargers: Grading five potential 2021 head coaching hires

Eric Bieniemy

Eric Bieniemy is without a doubt the first name that comes into a lot of fans’ heads when it comes to a potential coaching hire. He’s the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator after all. If you’re running the Chiefs offense, there should be tons of teams lining up to hire you.

My hesitance with Bieniemy mainly comes from the fact that he’s not really the play caller. It’s one thing to be offensive coordinator in Kansas City, sure. But the buck always stops with Andy Reid. Reid is the greatest offensive minded coach in the league.

Bieniemy was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018. Someone who also came into his own in 2018? Patrick Mahomes. An MVP season from the Kansas City quarterback propelled the Chiefs’ offense to new heights.

We’ve also seen the new hot Chiefs’ coordinator get hired before. Matt Nagy was considered a slam dunk hire for the Bears in 2018. So far? He’s been incredibly underwhelming in terms of the Bears’ offensive direction.

A lot of that has to do with Chicago’s poor quarterback situation. While Nagy wasn’t responsible for the selection of Mitchell Trubisky, it’s hard to say he’s elevated his play in any meaningful way. He did also make a move to acquire Nick Foles on a loaded contract.

Bieniemy certainly deserves some interviews in 2021 for how far he’s risen up the Chiefs’ ranks, but he’s had chances at head coaching opportunities since 2018. He simply hasn’t closed the deal with a franchise.

There has to be some skepticism about what a man who fell into Reid and arguably the most talented quarterback of all time is responsible for exactly.

The Chargers should look into Bieniemy, but he’s far from the sure thing NFL fans make him out to be.

Eric Bieniemy: C