Chiefs' Eric Bieniemy on Not Getting HC Jobs: 'I Can Only Be My Authentic Self'

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy took the high road Tuesday when asked about getting passed over for a head coaching job yet again.

Bieniemy told reporters: "I can only be my authentic self. Some team has to want me. I can't control that."

He also said, "I'm going to focus on what I need to focus on."

For the second consecutive year, Bieniemy will guide the Kansas City offense in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs will look to repeat as champions when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV on Sunday.

Bieniemy has been the Chiefs' offensive coordinator since 2018 when head coach Andy Reid promoted him from running backs coach.

While Reid calls the plays, Bieniemy has played a significant role in the Chiefs' offensive success.

In Patrick Mahomes' first season as the starting quarterback in 2018, he threw 50 touchdown passes and was named NFL MVP. The Chiefs reached the AFC Championship Game where they fell to the New England Patriots in overtime.

Kansas City followed up by winning the Super Bowl last season and has returned to the Super Bowl this year, primarily on the strength of the offense.

With Bieniemy as OC, the Chiefs have not ranked worse than sixth in either total offense or scoring offense. They ranked first in both categories in 2018 and first in total offense this season.

Despite that track record of success, Bieniemy was not hired as a head coach this year. It's the second consecutive season he has been considered a top candidate only to get left out in the cold.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans all had vacancies following the 2020 regular season. While Bieniemy had multiple interviews, every team decided to go a different way.

It is likely a matter of when rather than if Bieniemy lands a head coaching job given what he has done as Chiefs OC and his background as a former NFL running back, but there is little doubt it is taking longer than it should.

However, he has a dream job as far as assistants go. With Mahomes to run the offense, Bieniemy's stock will likely continue to rise.

Because of that, Bieniemy can afford to be selective before taking the head coaching opportunity he feels is right for him.