Eric Bieniemy went another coaching cycle without being named the head coach of an NFL franchise, but the Chiefs' offensive coordinator won't let that get in the way of his coaching.
While Bieniemy acknowledged that "it's tough" to have been passed over for a head coaching job, he reflected on the fact that he still has a chance to coach on a championship-contending team in Kansas City, according to ESPN.
"I don't want any pity," Bieniemy said. "This is who I am."
I'm going to keep pushing, keep knocking because when it's all said and done with, I know who I am and I am comfortable with the person I'm striving to be.
MORE: LeSean McCoy cites Bieniemy as reason for Chiefs departure
Bieniemy interviewed for both the Saints and Broncos during the offseason, but was passed over for both positions. He has been the offensive coordinator in Kansas City since 2018, and has guided one of the league's best offenses each season.
ESPN reported that Bieniemy said that he has just "got to go get it" when asked how he can end up with a coaching position in the NFL. He said he is going to continue working hard with the Chiefs to ensure that he is in the best position for not only the Chiefs to succeed, but also to be prepared for any head coaching prospects.
"My job this year is to make sure we can take care of business that needs to be taken care of today to help us achieve the goal down the road. And then it's time for me when it's presented to just go and get the job," Bieniemy said.
You can always be better. I'm always going to take a look at myself first. I always make sure that I'm checking every box.
MORE: Reid backs Bieniemy, rejects McCoy's criticisms of Chiefs OC
Bieniemy also spoke about his experience on the NFL's minority accelerator program, saying that the conversations with owners helped to break down barriers. He said it also helped him gain an understanding of how others go into the interview process for head coaching positions.
"I actually thought the league did an outstanding job," Bieniemy said, according to ESPN. "The thing that we don't get the luxury of is having an opportunity to deal with with the Tim Terrys having an opportunity to deal with the next Brett Veach, the next Ryan Poles. That was exciting because now you get to meet the people behind the scenes who make things work in personnel."
Chiefs' coach Andy Reid has previously expressed optimism that Bieniemy could get hired to be a head coach, and said he was disappointed he wasn't hired before the 2021 season. He told reporters prior to the Chiefs' 2022 playoff run that he thought this coaching cycle would be the one in which Bieniemy was hired.
“It disappoints me that somebody hasn't hired him,” Reid said, according to KSHB Kansas City. “Because he's so good.”
MORE: Chiefs schedule 2022 — Dates, times for every KC game
There was some speculation after Bieniemy came away from the 2022 coaching cycle without a head coaching position that he might opt to leave the Chiefs with his contract expiring, but he returned to Kansas City, where he has been the offensive coordinator for the past four seasons.
Under Bieniemy, Kansas City's offense has been one of the league's best each year. It ranked first in yards in both 2018 and 2020 and first in points in 2018.
| Year | Offensive yards (rank) | Total points (rank) |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 6,810 (1) | 565 (1) |
| 2019 | 6,067 (6) | 451 (5) |
| 2020 | 6,653 (1) | 473 (6) |
| 2021 | 6,746 (3) | 480 (4) |
