KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Beiniemy is seemingly destined to take the next step.
His team is 24-2 in the last 26 games, including a Super Bowl LIV victory; not to mention his Hall of Fame-bound superior Andy Reid, and quarterbacking prodigy are continually singing his praises.
“Whoever gets him, I think is a very lucky organization,” Reid told reporters Monday. “Somebody that I would love my son to play for.”
But it’s looking like even the third isn’t the charm Beiniemy.
According to NFL Network, the Houston Texans conducted a virtual interview with Bieniemy Monday.
The #Texans are set to do a virtual interview with #Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy today, source said. Thanks to the NFL and KC allowing it, Houston doesn’t have to wait until after the playoffs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2021
Houston, described this week by ESPN’s Adam Schefter as ‘undesirable’, is the seventh team to reportedly interview the 13-year NFL vet this offseason.
One league source connected to the Texans' HC situation said Saturday: "It's gone from the least desirable head coaching job (opening) to the most undesirable head coaching job in the NFL. That's a fact. That's how that job is now looked at by everybody."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 17, 2021
Yet and still, no dice.
Many pundits proclaimed Bieniemy the crown jewel of this year's hiring cycle. A dynamic play caller who has a unique ability to connect with his players.
“He does wonders with athletes, and he's able to maximize their abilities on the field, and he gives them that extra boost to be a productive person off the field,” Reid said of Bieniemy.
Bieniemy’s possible return to Kansas City, and third consecutive strikeout, represents a growing stain for a league parched for black coaches.
While black players make up over 70% of players, only 2 of the league’s 32 head coaches are black.
No candidate is without flaw. Some may see the murky waters behind the Chiefs play calling formula and overwhelming amount of talent as knocks against the former Colorado Buffs coaching candidate.
But those closest loudly disagree.
“His track record speaks for itself,” Patrick Mahomes says.
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Bieniemy will interview with Texans
Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy keeps focus on Cleveland amid job interviews