Potential LA Chargers head coach profile: Eric Bieniemy

Eric Bieniemy is one of the hottest names connected to the LA Chargers head coach vacancy.

The LA Chargers made it official on Monday and parted ways with four-year head coach, Anthony Lynn. The Bolts are fresh off of a second consecutive losing season that was, quite frankly, aided by a four-game winning streak to end the season in which the Bolts received some luck.

With Justin Herbert and a potential Super Bowl core around him, it is important that the Chargers make the right hire before the 2021 season. That is why the team is going to interview 10-12 candidates and make sure that they get the perfect fit.

As new interviewees are announced, we here at Bolt Beat will bring you potential head coach profiles. This is one of the most exciting profiles, as we are taking a look at Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy.

Bieniemy is one of the hottest names connected to the Chargers and is someone who Charger fans have been clamoring for all season. For those that are unfamiliar, let’s dive into his profile.

Eric Bieniemy’s profile naturally connects him to the LA Chargers

Before talking about his coaching resume, it is important to note that Bieniemy has natural ties to the LA Chargers from the organization’s days as the San Diego Chargers.

Bieniemy started his NFL career as a running back for the Chargers, playing for the team from 1991-1994. Bieniemy was not a big name or a big contributor, but he was on the only Chargers team to make the Super Bowl and now has hometown ties to the area.

Bieniemy was a standout recruit at Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, California. That is a 30-minute drive (without traffic, of course) from SoFi Stadium.

The hype around Bieniemy is connected to his involvement with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bieniemy is the offensive coordinator of the most exciting team in football and took over the job in 2018, which was Patrick Mahomes’ first year.

Prior to that, Bieniemy was the team’s running back coach from 2013-2017, working with talented backs such as Jamaal Charles and Kareem Hunt. He also spent time on the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff from 2006-2010 as the running backs coach and assistant head coach (only in 2010).

His collegiate experience includes two stints with his alma mater, Colorado (2001-2002; 2011-2012) as well as with UCLA (2003-2005).

Bieniemy does have negative parts of his past that are worth mentioning. Bieniemy at one point had his license suspended, was banned from Colorado’s campus for a year for an altercation and was arrested in April of 2021 for a DUI (h/t John Sheeran, Cincy Jungle).

That is definitely something that the LA Chargers are going to evaluate in their head coaching search. The organization values leadership and character and it will be interesting to see how that impacts a potential hire.

As far as a coordinator, there are legitimate concerns that there might be a bit too much hype around Bieniemy. As we all know a bit too well, Andy Reid is an offensive genius and there is a good chance that a lot of the reason for the Chiefs’ offense being great is him.

They also happen to have the best quarterback, tight end and a top-five wide receiver. That also helps.

But Bieniemy did consistently field a good running game while he was the running backs coach and that has continued with him as the offensive coordinator, first with Damien Williams and now with Cylde Edwards-Helaire. That is worth mentioning.

What do you think? Where does Bieniemy rank on your dream LA Chargers head coaching hires list? Let us know in the comments down below!