Sep 22, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; Carolina Panthers running game coordinator John Matsko against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Commanders part with OL coach John Matsko

The Washington Commanders told offensive line coach John Matsko they were moving in a different direction with his position, multiple reports said Tuesday.

The move comes as new Washington offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy continues to fill out his staff of assistant coaches.

Matsko, 72, had been Washington’s offensive line coach since 2020. He has worked as an O-line coach in the NFL since 1992, serving in the same role for the then-Phoenix Cardinals (1992-93), New Orleans Saints (1994-96), New York Giants (1997-98), then-St. Louis Rams (1999-2005), Kansas City Chiefs (2006-07), Baltimore Ravens (2008-10) and Carolina Panthers (2011-19).

Matsko had stuck together with Commanders head coach Ron Rivera since 2011 between Carolina and Washington.

–Field Level Media

Oct 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy leaves the field against the Buffalo Bills prior to the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Commanders hire Eric Bieniemy as OC, assistant head coach

The Washington Commanders are finalizing a multiyear deal to hire Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy to the same position, multiple reports said Friday evening.

In addition to the coordinator role, Bieniemy will serve as Ron Rivera’s assistant head coach, NFL Network reported.

Bieniemy is coming off winning his second Super Bowl as the Chiefs’ coordinator. He worked on Andy Reid’s staff in Kansas City for 10 years, as running backs coach from 2013-17 before his promotion to offensive coordinator in 2018.

Under Bieniemy, the Chiefs ranked first in both total offense and scoring offense in 2022. They were first in both categories in 2018 and never ranked lower than sixth in the league in either statistic in the past five years.

Reid handled most of the play-calling duties for Kansas City, and the offense has flourished since Patrick Mahomes took over at quarterback. A day after the Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 to win Super Bowl LVII, Reid told reporters it was possible Bieniemy could leave the team to find a bigger role.

“Eric Bieniemy has been tremendous for us and I think he’s tremendous for the National Football League,” Reid said. “I’m hoping he has an opportunity to go somewhere and do his thing, where he can run the show and be Eric Bieniemy.”

Bieniemy, who is Black, was passed over in the latest turn of the head-coaching carousel, though he interviewed with the Indianapolis Colts before that team hired Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen. According to USA Today, Bieniemy interviewed for head-coaching vacancies 16 times with 15 NFL teams (including the New York Jets twice), with many feeling he had been unfairly passed over because of his race.

Bieniemy, 53, was an All-American running back for a Colorado team that won a national championship in 1990. He went on to play nine seasons in the NFL with the then-San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals and Eagles.

The Commanders fired offensive coordinator Scott Turner after the 2022 season and were in the market for his replacement. Washington had a top-10 defense but ranked 20th in total offense and 24th in scoring offense last season, and Rivera has said that 2022 fifth-round draft pick Sam Howell is the team’s No. 1 quarterback entering the offseason.

–Field Level Media

Jul 27, 2022; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) talks with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Ravens to interview Eric Bieniemy for play-calling OC role

Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy plans to interview for a play-calling role with the Baltimore Ravens, according to multiple reports.

The Ravens and offensive coordinator Greg Roman split at the end of the 2022 season, and Baltimore plans to discuss that job with Bieniemy, who doesn’t call plays in Kansas City.

The 53-year-old Bieniemy has been a regular on the offseason interview circuit and remains in the mix to be head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

Baltimore would be the 18th team to request an interview with Bieniemy since the 2019 offseason and the Washington Commanders are also reportedly interested in chatting with him about their vacant OC post. In addition to the Colts, Ravens and Commanders in 2023, the former Colorado running back received interview requests from the Bengals, Dolphins, Jets, Buccaneers, Cardinals, Panthers, Browns, Giants, Falcons, Lions, Texans, Jaguars, Chargers, Eagles, Broncos and Saints.

Bieniemy, in his fifth season as offensive coordinator, joined head coach Andy Reid’s staff in Kansas City in 2013 as running backs coach, and held that role until he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018. Reid has called the plays for each of his 10 seasons with the Chiefs with the exception of a stretch of games in 2017, when Matt Nagy handled those chores.

Reid and Ravens head coach John Harbaugh are close friends and worked together when Harbaugh was special teams coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. That included the 1999 season, when Bieniemy was on the roster and played on Harbaugh’s special teams units.

Bieniemy was selected in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played a total of 142 games with the Chargers (1991-94), Bengals (1995-98) and Eagles (1999).

–Field Level Media

Oct 16, 2022; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy leaves the field against the Buffalo Bills prior to the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Colts interview Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy

Colts general manager Chris Ballard and owner Jim Irsay interviewed Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy on Thursday.

Irsay confirmed the interview with the 53-year-old Bieniemy, who has been a key presence in the development of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes from first-round pick to MVP.

The interview circuit is old hat for Bieniemy, although he has never been a head coach at any level. In 2021, Bieniemy interviewed to become a head coach with five different teams.

The Chiefs lost to the Colts in the regular season. But the offensive juggernaut led the NFL this season in points per game — 29.2 — and Kansas City was first in total offense (413.6) and passing yards (297.8).

Ballard worked in the Chiefs’ scouting department from 2013-16.

Bieniemy, in his fifth season as offensive coordinator, joined head coach Andy Reid’s staff in Kansas City in 2013 as running backs coach, and held that role until he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018.

A running back at Colorado, Bieniemy was drafted in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played a total of 142 games with the Chargers (1991-1994), Cincinnati Bengals (1995-1998) and Philadelphia Eagles (1999).

–Field Level Media

August 14, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders next coach odds: Eric Bieniemy early favorite

The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to go on the offensive with their replacement for Jon Gruden, who resigned Monday following the disclosure of a string of inappropriate emails.

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been installed as the +600 favorite to be the Raiders’ next head coach by SportsBetting.ag. Bieniemy’s name comes as no surprise as he has been a finalist for several NFL openings over the past few years.

Gruden was hired to a 10-year contract largely for his reputation as an innovative offensive mind, and the top five candidates on SportsBetting.ag’s list are all current offensive coordinators in the NFL. Following Bieniemy are Buffalo’s Brian Daboll (+650), Carolina’s Joe Brady (+750), Dallas’ Kellen Moore (+750) and Tampa Bay’s Byron Leftwich (+900).

Also being offered at +900 is Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell and Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who is the top candidate on the list with previous NFL head coaching experience (Jets, 2015-18).

The sportsbook also included a few more entertaining options, including analysts Howie Long (+7500), Charles Woodson (+10000) and Tony Romo (+15000) along with former Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (+50000).

Gruden served as a commentator for ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” beginning in 2009 before returning to the sideline with the Raiders in 2018. It will likely be difficult for him to return to the television booth in the wake of the offensive emails revealed to have been sent over a seven-year period while with ESPN.

SportsBetting.ag is offering a prop market on Gruden’s next job.
–Podcast host (-150)
–Work for Fox News (+300)
–NCAA TV analyst (+500)
–NFL TV analyst (+500)
–High school football coach (+1200)
–Member of NCAA coaching staff (+1200)
–Member of NFL coaching staff (+2500)
–TV game show host (+3300)

With Gruden technically resigning, the NFL has yet to see a coach get fired this season. However, Jacksonville’s Urban Meyer is the clear favorite to be the first one to be let go following his own off-field controversy over the past few weeks.

First coach fired odds:
–Urban Meyer, Jaguars (+100)
–Matt Nagy, Bears (+250)
–Joe Judge, Giants (+400)
–Vic Fangio, Broncos (+900)
–Mike Zimmer, Vikings (+1200)
–Brian Flores, Dolphins (+1800)
–Dan Campbell, Lions (+2500)
–Frank Reich, Colts (+2800)
–Ron Rivera, WFT (+2800)
–Zac Taylor, Bengals (+3300)
–Robert Saleh, Jets (+4000)
–David Culley, Texans (+5000)
–Mike Tomlin, Steelers (+5000)

–Field Level Media

Oct 11, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy watches warm ups before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs baffled by NFL overlooking Eric Bieniemy

Overlooked offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy not being hired as a head coach still baffles the Kansas City Chiefs.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is focused on Super Bowl LV this week but said he plans a fact-finding mission starting next week to find out “what is going on” in the process that continues to keep Bieniemy from running his own team.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he felt Bieniemy might be the guy in Houston, but the Texans didn’t interview him immediately. The job went to David Culley, assistant head coach of the Baltimore Ravens and another former Reid protege.

But Mahomes wasn’t surprised that when all the seats on the coaching carousel had been filled, Bieniemy rolled into the team facility with coverage reads top of mind.

“There’s been no difference,” Mahomes said of Bieniemy’s demeanor the past two weeks. “I think a big thing with him, he always preaches control what you can control. Obviously we know he’s disappointed he didn’t get an opportunity to become a head coach. But he comes with the mindset to make this team the best we can be every single day.”

Bieniemy interviewed for seven jobs this offseason. Among the reported reasons he was passed over include not interviewing well. His resume also does not include play-calling duties, although Bieniemy has significant input in both planning and game-day execution, per Reid. By comparison, the Chicago Bears hired the Chiefs last offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy, with limited play-calling experience.

Players in the Chiefs’ locker room who’ve experienced Bieniemy’s impact continue to sing his praises.

“I’m not a GM or anything, but I will say, Coach Bieniemy has helped me a lot,” Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill said. “The man, the player, and everything I’ve become for this Chiefs organization. It’s very shocking that he didn’t get a job. I know deep down inside he’s going to look at himself in the mirror and say, ‘What can I do better so I can get that job?’ He’s that kind of dude. He wants to get better and he wants to become a head coach. His time will come. I feel like everything happens for a reason. His time will come.”

One of the tasks for Bieniemy the past two weeks has been getting Mike Remmers ready to start at left tackle for Eric Fisher, who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.

Remmers is a journeyman backup who likely fits best at right tackle. When Buccaneers right defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul said Monday he had no idea who Remmers was, the Chiefs’ lineman fell back on Bieniemy and Reid’s teachings.

“I don’t really care what (Pierre-Paul’s) opinion is on anything,” Remmers said. “I need no extra motivation at all. This is the Super Bowl.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) shakes hands with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after a first quarter touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Texans want to interview Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has another interview to schedule.

According to reports, the in-demand assistant received a formal request to meet with the Houston Texans and new general manager Nick Caserio.

However, due to the timing of the request, the meeting might have to wait until at least Jan. 25, the start of the two-week window between the conference championship and Super Bowl LV.

Bieniemy was available to talk to teams and conducted head coaching interviews with the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers — all last week. The Chiefs, the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs, had a first-round playoff bye.

By rule, assistants for teams playing in the postseason are not available other than “bye” weeks. The week without games prior to Super Bowl week is not in the tampering window.

Caserio’s request comes after media reports that quarterback Deshaun Watson is displeased with management for ignoring his request for the Texans to interview Bieniemy.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he recommended Bieniemy to Watson.

“His track record speaks for itself,” Mahomes said Monday on KCSP Radio in Kansas City. “The type of man he is, the way he can control and be a leader of the locker room and the way that he coaches and schemes he brings to us. If he doesn’t, people are crazy.”

Bieniemy, 51, has never been a play-caller in the NFL. He has been on Andy Reid’s staff since 2013 and has been the offensive coordinator since 2018. If the Chiefs lose Sunday’s home divisional matchup to the Cleveland Browns, Bieniemy would be available to interview next week.

–Field Level Media