For the first time since quarterback Patrick Mahomes became the starter, the 2023 Kansas City Chiefs will not feature Eric Bieniemy barking from the sideline as the team’s offensive coordinator.
Bieniemy now employs his loud, intense coaching style on players for the Washington Commanders, who hired him as their offensive coordinator during the offseason. But Bieniemy’s boisterous passion apparently hasn’t been received as well as it was in Kansas City.
Players expressed concern about Bieniemy’s style to head coach Ron Rivera, who shared that with reporters. Specifically, Rivera said some were concerned the new coach was riding them too hard.
It’s simple: Bieniemy represents a culture shock that was much needed in Washington. The franchise hasn’t finished with a winning record since 2016. His fierceness is the first step in turning around the offense, which ranked 24th in scoring last season.
That’s why Bieniemy is coming in hot, coaching his players the best way he knows how. And as far as Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes is concerned, Bieniemy’s way was always OK in his book.
“EB is going to be harsh on you,” said Mahomes after Friday’s training camp practice at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. “He’s going to really try and get the best out of you every single day. He’s going to hold you accountable when you don’t want to hold yourself accountable.
