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The Washington Commanders made a splash hire at offensive coordinator this offseason after reeling in Eric Bieniemy from the Kansas City Chiefs.
It will be Bieniemy’s first time ever calling plays in his pro career, giving him another chance to prove himself worthy of potentially becoming a NFL head coach someday.
However, Commanders fans can’t help but share mixed reactions on Tuesday after head coach Ron Rivera shared quite a bit of details of what’s going on in training camp.
While talking with the media, Rivera was asked about Bieniemy’s presence with the Commanders. However, his response seemed to raise eye brows about Bieniemy’s coaching methods, per Nicki Jhabvala.
As it turns out, Ron Rivera claims that multiple players have come to him with their concerns about Eric Bieniemy. Based on Rivera’s comments, it sounds like some players don’t like Bieniemy’s intensity.
Asked Ron Rivera about Eric Bieniemy … pic.twitter.com/vdKy6qMjDu
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) August 8, 2023
To begin with, it’s perfectly normal for players to question a new coach in the building. In fact, it’s normal and it even sounds like Rivera is going to bat for his new offensive coordinator a little bit.
On the other hand, this is probably information the general public doesn’t need to know about. Maybe it’s time for the Commanders head coach to take a page out of the Bill Belichick notebook and give more generic answers.
With that said, Commanders fans are all over the place with this report.
Some like the intensity Eric Bieniemy is bringing to the club while others are upset with Ron Rivera for giving this answer.
It’s not even thinking it though, said players coming to him with problems about Bienemy. Shouldn’t have said anything though now there’s two things to be concerned about
— . (@stokerman1) August 8, 2023
Chiefs fans claim this is normal for Bieniemy.
As a Chiefs fan, EB is good. He keeps guys in line. Accountability at all times
— Eric Lupardus🎭 (@BIG_E_KC) August 8, 2023
Eric Bieniemy does have two Super Bowl rings, after all.
I love the way EB is coaching these players. I think the ones that are complaining need to take a long hard look themselves. There is no need for drama or people blowing this out of proportion, move on!!! #HTTC
— Greg Haught (@Ghaught21) August 8, 2023
Is Ron Rivera on the hot seat?
Crazy way to talk about the Week 10 interim head coach like that
— AFCSouth Champion (@zigzagoonsquad) August 8, 2023
Meanwhile, some believe this is a perfect example as to why Bieniemy has struggled getting a head coaching gig.
This somewhat explains EB’s difficulty in getting a head coaching job
— Get in the Carr 🏎️ (@MrRichardRider) August 8, 2023
At the end of the day, it’s a bit weird to hear a NFL head coach be so open about what’s going on behind closed doors.
But only time will tell if Eric Bieniemy is the man for the job. If he can get the best out of this offense, the Commanders could be a tough team to play against late in the regular season.