Saints Rumors: Chiefs' Eric Bieniemy Eyed for Head Coach Interview

Will this finally be the year Eric Bieniemy is offered a head coaching position? 

The New Orleans Saints are reportedly eyeing the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator for their vacant head coaching position, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. An interview could take place Saturday, per Fowler. 

Bieniemy has been interviewed for several head coaching vacancies over the last few offseasons but has never been offered a job as a head coach. He's seemingly had minimal interest this year's hiring cycle, too.

Before the Saints' reported interest, the 52-year-old had only been connected to the Denver Broncos head coaching position, which has since been filled by former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. 

Bieniemy's lack of head coaching chances was cited as evidence of racist and discriminatory hiring practices in a lawsuit filed against the NFL and its teams by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores earlier this week. 

The lawsuit points out the fact that people with less experience have been hired over Bieniemy in the past. That includes the New York Giants, who hired Joe Judge over Bieniemy ahead of the 2020 season. 

"Without question, Mr. Bieniemy has the pedigree, track record and reputation to make him a sought-after Head Coach. However, despite being interviewed for approximately 20 vacant positions over the last five years, no team has extended Mr. Bieniemy an offer," the lawsuit says.

Bieniemy is in his ninth season with the Chiefs, fourth as offensive coordinator, and is in charge of one of the NFL's most explosive offenses with Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. He previously served as the team's running backs coach from 2013-17. 

The Saints are searching for a new head coach after Sean Payton stepped down last month following 15 seasons as head coach. New Orleans has interviewed three candidates thus far, including Flores, former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.