Commanders' Eric Bieniemy: Falcons Coaching Candidate?

If not with the Washington Commanders, could Eric Bieniemy finally get a shot to be a head coach with the Atlanta Falcons?

With the Washington Commanders having lost seven consecutive games entering Week 18 and quarterback Sam Howell probably playing his way out of being a possible long-term answer at the position, it feels increasingly unlikely offensive coordinator/assistant coach Eric Bieniemy will be promoted to be Ron Rivera's successor in 2024. 

That doesn't necessarily mean, however, that Bieniemy won't finally get his long-awaited chance to lead a team in 2024. 

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According to Cam Marino, Bieniemy "is expected to be on the Atlanta Falcons immediate short list" should the team make a coaching change of their own. It's unclear whether Falcons owner Arthur Blank intends to fire coach Arthur Smith following Week 18, but it at least seems to be a possibility. 

The Falcons arguably overachieved going 7-10 in each of their first two seasons under Smith, but have failed to take a step forward in an underwhelming NFC South in 2024. At 7-9, the Falcons would need to leapfrog both the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 18 to win the NFC South. If they lose to the Saints, they'll finish at 7-10 for the third season in a row. Atlanta doesn't have any clear plan moving forward at quarterback, and Smith has failed to consistently get the most out of tight end Kyle Pitts, receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson. 

If Bieniemy and Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot -- assuming he wouldn't be fired along with Smith -- can get on the page about a plan at quarterback, there would be a lot to like about Atlanta as a landing spot. There's a ton of offensive talent to work with already. 

It would be a shock if Washington doesn't move on from Rivera following a disappointing season of their own. Presumably, Bieniemy will at least get an interview for the gig with the Commanders, but like Rivera, he was inherited by Josh Harris' ownership group. Whether it's Bill Belichick or someone else, Harris may want to make a splash with an established coach and/or general manager to put his stamp on the franchise. 

Rivera’s Week 18 Goals May Not Be Aligned With Commanders

As far as what comes next, Bieniemy said this week all he is focused on is helping the Commanders to snap their losing streak and finish with a win over the NFC East-rival Dallas Cowboys. 

“You know what you live in the moment," Bieniemy said. "The only thing I can worry about and control is today. You can only live in this particular moment. You can't worry about tomorrow. You can take care of tomorrow when tomorrow gets here.”