With the season over, the Panthers’ search for their next head coach is heating up. According to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL Network, the team has requested an interview with Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
David Tepper has stated publicly that he wants an offensive-minded candidate and seems to prefer those with pro experience. Bieniemy fits that description.
If you’re unfamiliar with Bieniemy’s background, he played running back for the Chargers and the Bengals in the 1990s. He is now 50 years old. Bieniemy’s first coaching job in the league was as the Vikings’ running backs coach. He held that position five seasons before becoming the offensive coordinator for Colorado. In 2013, the Chiefs hired him to be their running backs coach and he was promoted last year to offensive coordinator.
Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes deserve a fair share of the credit, but Kansas City’s offense has been spectacular these last two seasons with Bieniemy calling the shots. They rank sixth in total yards and fifth in points per game this season after leading the NFL in scoring by a wide margin last year.
The Chiefs finished the regular season 12-4, earning themselves the AFC’s No. 2 seed. That gives them a first-round bye in the playoffs, which will allow Bieniemy time to interview this week.
Other candidates the team has been linked with include former Packers coach Mike McCarthy, who has met with the team twice. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Baylor coach Matt Rhule are also reported to be on the team’s list.
In related news, it sounds like former Carolina head coach Ron Rivera might land his next job very soon. He’s reported to be meeting with the Redskins today.
