Wait continues for Bieniemy
Chiefs assistant on hold for head coaching chance
For the third consecutive year, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was passed over for a head coaching job.
Bieniemy was a candidate for every job opening, including the Texans, who hired former Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach David Culley for their head coaching job.
Bieniemy, 51, interviewed for six openings — Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Jacksonville, Los Angeles Chargers and the New York Jets — this hiring cycle and had informal talks with a seventh (Philadephia).
“Yeah, I’m glad I have him, but I’m not so glad I have him,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said during a press conference. “I was really hoping that he would have an opportunity to take one of these jobs. You guys know what I think of him. I think he’s great and I think he would be great any of the numbers of teams that opened up and help them win football games and also develop men into men. I just think he’s a great person.”
Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill expressed support for Bieniemy and disappointment with his coach not garnering the offers he believe he should have.
“I’m not a GM or anything, but I will say coach Bieniemy has helped me out a lot (as) a man, player, just everything I’ve become for the Chiefs’ organization,” Hill said. “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 do I have to do better next year or whenever the case may be?’ He’s that kind of dude. He wants to get better and he wants to become a head coach. His time will come.’’
Reid praised Culley, a former Chiefs assistant head coach who coached wide receivers for the Chiefs and with the Philadelphia Eagles under Reid.
“David will do a good job,” Reid said. “He’s a people person, he’ll bring energy to the building, and one of the most loved guys I’ve ever been around. So, he’s just a great person. I mean, we were together 18 years, so we had a few cheeseburgers together.”
But for Bieniemy, the wait continues.