NEWSLETTER
There was a bunch of discussion on Friday regarding the Commanders’ hire of Eric Bieniemy as their new offensive coordinator. So, I guess that’s where the discussion starts. Bieniemy was hired as the Commanders assistant head coach and offensive coordinator.
- The distinction in the title is vital because Bieniemy’s move to Washington was not a lateral move. At first blush, that’s what it seemed like. When Bieniemy went to Washington to interview, that’s what it was reported as. If this were just a move from Kansas City to Washington as only the offensive coordinator, that would be a head-scratcher.
- ESPN’s Josina Anderson added some important context to the discussion on Friday:
- So, in addition to the assistant head coach responsibilities, Bieniemy lands a multi-year deal and a raise in Washington. Additionally, Bieniemy’s path to a head coaching job in the NFL likely looks better if he has success in Washington.
- Undoubtedly, the NFL is still failing in the diversity department, especially in the coaching and front office ranks. But Bieniemy getting a better job, more responsibilities, financial compensation, and job security is a victory. As Anderon pointed out, it’s not the head coach job that Bieniemy wanted, but it’s an upward move nonetheless.
- Frank Reich has found his new offensive coordinator in Carolina. The Panthers have hired former Rams assistant head coach and tight ends, coach Thomas Brown.
- The 36-year-old Brown spent last year as an assistant head coach and tight ends coach for the Rams under Sean McVay. Brown was in Los Angeles for three seasons, working as assistant head coach/running backs coach during the Rams’ Super Bowl run to conclude the 2021 season.
- Brown emerged as a popular candidate for various offensive coordinator positions across the league this cycle. He interviewed for the Texans’ head coaching vacancy before they hired DeMeco Ryans. Brown joins Jim Caldwell (senior assistant), Duce Staley (RBs coach), Josh McCown (QBs coach), and Parks Fraizer (passing game coordinator) as Reich’s hires on the offensive side of the ball.
- Jonathan Gannon is working to fill his staff in Arizona as well. Gannon will meet with Bengals wide receivers coach Troy Walters this weekend, according to Josina Anderson. Walters will interview for the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator position.
- The Cardinals also requested interviews with Browns quarterbacks coach Drew Petzing and Saints running backs coach Joel Thomas.
- Gannon and the Cardinals have also met with Bears linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi for their defensive coordinator vacancy this weekend.
- Speaking of the Bears, they’re making a cap move:
- Luis put together an excellent thread on the Muhammad release last night:
- Unfortunately, It’s probably about time to start thinking about these things:
