• Loading stock data...
Monday, June 2, 2025

As Sale Looms, Eric Bieniemy Introduced by Commanders

  • Bieniemy was introduced by the Commanders as their new assistant head coach, offensive coordinators.
  • Owner Dan Snyder appears to have played a limited role in luring Bieniemy away from Kansas City Chiefs.
Eric Bieniemy
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

ASHBURN, Virginia — Eric Bieniemy’s introductory news conference at Washington Commanders headquarters Thursday just felt different.

It wasn’t just the weather as temperatures trended toward the warmest day of the year here.  Bieniemy’s hire as the Commanders’ new offensive coordinator and assistant head coach was a factor. Still, it was also how his hire came about: owner Dan Snyder — one of the most hands-on owners in the last two decades — played a minimal role in Bieniemy’s hiring process.

“It was one of the questions that did come up,” Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said. “Mr. Snyder has been very supportive. We talked about certain things that we had to do with the coaching staff, and he was great about it. 

“I said, ‘Look, this may take a little bit longer. I want to interview Eric Bieniemy.’ He said, ‘Absolutely, as long as it takes.’”

The wait ended after Bieniemy secured his second Super Bowl victory as the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator earlier this month. In Washington, Bieniemy will have complete control of the offense, something he didn’t have under Andy Reid in Kansas City. 

“I have never ever backed down from a challenge,” Bieniemy said as he looked at several of his players sitting in the front row during the news conference. “I’m embracing this challenge. I’m fired up, I’m excited. I’m excited when it’s time to start talking ball with these guys to start getting the work. But when it’s all said and done with, why not Washington?” 

Neither Dan Snyder or his wife, co-CEO Tanya Snyder, attended the news conference.

For those gauging where the potential franchise sale was announced in November, Snyder allowing Rivera, general manager Martin Mayhew, and team president Jason Wright to lure Bieniemy away from the Chiefs shouldn’t be overlooked. Snyder reportedly didn’t attend the final two games of last season, as he’s spent more time in London in recent months. 

“Coach Rivera was the lead person in this hiring process,” Bieniemy said. “Obviously had an opportunity to spend time with Mr. Wright and Mr. Mayhew. When it’s all said and done with all that [ownership] stuff, that’s not my job.”

Since Wright’s arrival in August 2020, he said Snyder has “blessed us to do what we need to do.”  But Snyder didn’t even participate in any group interviews with team execs of Bieniemy, one source with knowledge of the situation told Front Office Sports.  

Candidates for the offensive coordinator job created when Scott Turner was fired on Jan. 10 did have questions about the ownership situation. 

“That’s part of what I had to answer for sure,” Wright said. “And that’s my job, right? I’m the closest to all that. I think. Eric, just like the rest of us, see the transition as one that’s good for the organization … There’s nothing but upside for the organization, and we’ve already had a lot of success in rebuilding the football side of the business from where we started when Ron took over.

“They’ve established a way of working, a consistent culture, both on the coaching staff and in the locker room. This is a chance to accelerate that.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

PSG and the City of Paris Can Join European Soccer’s Elite

What a maiden Champions League title would mean for the French club.

Chiefs, Royals Stadium Plans Hit Political Wall As Both Parties Say No

Both Republicans and Democrats in Missouri oppose public funding for stadiums.
Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) scores on a pass in the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium.

Why the NFL Isn’t a Sure Bet for Private-Equity Firms

Three teams have gotten PE investments since owners approved the rule change.

How the Champions League Anthem Took on a Life of Its Own

The composer didn’t know he wrote a timeless hit three decades ago.

Featured Today

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 24, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Basketball Universe—Thanks to Both Pro Teams

The Fever and Pacers are thriving at the same time.
Around the Horn - October 26, 2020
May 23, 2025

‘Quirky, Nutty, Bombastic’: 10 ‘Around the Horn’ Faces on Their Top Moments

“A quirky, nutty, bombastic, mostly wrong, sometimes right, crazy sports family.”

Pacers-Thunder Is Lowest-Payroll NBA Finals in Years

Neither team is in the luxury tax, despite rosters with multiple All-Stars.
Ovi
May 29, 2025

Capitals Say Ovechkin Retirement Email Was Sent in Error

Ovechkin is the NHL’s all-time scoring leader and has one Stanley Cup. 
May 30, 2025

Steve Cohen Taps USTA’s Lew Sherr to Reshape Mets Off Field

The MLB club hires a top executive from the U.S. Tennis Association.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
May 29, 2025

T-Wolves Face Roster-Building Questions After Another WCF Loss

The team has ownership stability entering this offseason.
SGA
May 29, 2025

Thunder Poised to Dominate for Years After Winning West

OKC has the NBA’s best shot at a dynasty with the new CBA.
May 28, 2025

Mets Casino Project Moves Forward As Cohen Shakes Up Front Office

Scott Havens will depart as team president of business operations.
May 28, 2025

Terry Bradshaw Calls Steelers Pursuit of Aaron Rodgers ‘a Joke’

The Pro Football Hall of Famer lambastes the courtship of the mercurial star.