Report: Falcons Could Hire Commanders' Eric Bieniemy For Potential Coaching Vacancy

If the Atlanta Falcons decide to move on from Arthur Smith, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy may be on the short list to be their next coach.

Despite the fact that the Atlanta Falcons are still alive for an NFC South title, many fans are eager for a change.

Arthur Smith, now in his third season in Atlanta, has drawn the ire of many recently. Between his reluctance to use key skill players like running back Bijan Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts and the Falcons posting their third-straight losing record, Smith may have worn out his welcome in Atlanta.

While it's not clear if the Falcons will move on from Smith, and some reports have actually indicated the opposite, they are at least doing their due diligence. According to NFL insider Cam Marino, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is on the Falcons' short list in case they do have a coaching vacancy.

Eric Bieniemy / Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Bieniemy 54, is in his first season with the Commanders, but is perhaps more well known for his previous tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs. In five years under Andy Reid, Bieniemy's offense never ranked lower than sixth in yards or points for. He also helped guide Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and co. win two Super Bowls in that time.

Bieniemy was widely seen as a head coaching candidate for years, but never got his opportunity. Instead, he went to Washington in a lateral move to attempt to prove that he is more than the players he coached in Kansas City.

Falcons Firing Smith 'If Late-Season Collapse' Still Measuring Stick?

This also isn't the first time Bieniemy's name has come up for the Falcons, as they reportedly interviewed him in 2021 before ultimately hiring Smith.

If the Falcons actually decide to move on from Smith, Bieniemy will certainly be someone to watch in their next coaching search.