On Thursday night, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy interviewed the Indianapolis Colts for their head coaching vacancy, according to the team.
Colts owner Jim Irsay broke the news via his official Twitter Account.
I just finished our interview with Eric Bieniemy
—Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) January 13, 2023
Bieniemy, 53, has been considered for head coaching positions for the past five offseasons, but no team has chosen to hire him. The Chiefs remain optimistic this could be the offseason for Bieniemy, who was the team’s running backs coach (2013-17) before his promotion to coordinator (2018-present) over the past few years. last five seasons.
Teams for which Eric Bieniemy has interviewed or had an interview request in the past 4 years:
Bengals, Dolphins, Jaguars, Chargers, Broncos, Saints, Falcons, Lions, Jets, Texans, Browns, Giants, Panthers, Bucs, Eagles.
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) February 7, 2022
In late December, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was asked what might tip the balance for Bieniemy this offseason.
“I thought [the league] did a good job this offseason getting [potential candidates] with owners,” Reid said, referring to the NFL’s first-ever coaching and front office accelerator program that took place in May. “For me, that was the difference. More of a casual setting. No, ‘I need to hire this guy right now.’ Get to know them. I appreciated that.
“I thought it was a good thing for Eric. I know what he can do. I’ve said it 100 times. I haven’t changed my mind on that. So hopefully he will have an opportunity.
Reid and Bieniemy led the Chiefs to first in the league in yards per game (413.6) and points per game (29.2) in 2022. He is the lone offensive coordinator for future MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes. never experienced as a starter.
The Colts fired Frank Reich midseason, handing over the reins to former center Jeff on Saturday. Between Reich and Saturday, the Colts were 27th in the league in points per game (17.0), finishing with a 4-12-1 record.
Bieniemy’s case may be helped by familiarity with Colts general manager Chris Ballard, who worked in the Chiefs’ recruiting and personnel department from 2013 to 2017.
This is Bieniemy’s first known interview of this cycle. Arizona, Carolina, Denver and Houston also have head coaching positions available.