It’s been a fun offseason for the Washington Commanders as they finally ousted embattled owner Daniel Snyder. The team was sold to Josh Harris for 6.05 million, the highest price ever for a pro sports team.
The positive buzz around the team is palpable, but it hasn’t been all positive as Head Coach Ron Rivera didn’t have good things to say about new Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
Washington Commanders Head Coach Ron Rivera Gives an Honest Take on Players’ Relationship With Eric Bieniemy
Asked Ron Rivera about Eric Bieniemy … pic.twitter.com/vdKy6qMjDu
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 8, 2023
The story with the Washington Commanders franchise is always one step forward, two steps back. Why say this about your new offensive coordinator? What could be gained for the head coach to publicly air out that the players are having an issue with Bieniemy’s coaching style?
If the players had an issue with Bieniemy’s coaching style, go to him directly and not the head coach. Ron Rivera is to blame here: this wasn’t a news story until he made it one. During his time with the Chiefs, Bieniemy was known as a fiery old-school coach who regularly got on players in practices, but they respected what he was trying to do.
Eric Bieniemy had a style that worked when he was with the Chiefs because they had top-end talent and were recipients of two Super Bowls. The Commanders don’t have any of that and will be trotting out a young team this year.
How Bieniemy fares in Washington could increase his chances for a head coaching job. The knock on Bieniemy while with the Chiefs is he didn’t call plays. This is a perfect audition for Bieniemy to show what he’s learned from Andy Reid. It’ll be a successful season if Bieniemy can help propel the Washington Commanders to a top offense in the NFL and help first-year starter Sam Howell progress. If Bieniemy can accomplish those two goals, he should have no problem getting a head coaching job in 2024.
Update: Ron Rivera has since apologized for his remarks about Bieniemy.
For More Wisconsin Sports Content:
Follow us at @WiSportsHeroics for more Wisconsin sports content. To keep up on all of your favorite sports in Wisconsin, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
