Eric Bieniemy laughably passed over again, but will he return to Chiefs?

Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy didn’t get the Saints head coaching job but he could leave Kansas City either way.

Eric Bieniemy can’t seem to catch a break when it comes to getting a head coaching gig.

The Chiefs offensive coordinator has spent four seasons successfully running Andy Reid’s offense, but unlike Matt Nagy and Doug Pederson, he hasn’t been given that opportunity to climb the ladder.

On Monday, it became clear that wasn’t changing in 2022 as the Saints settled on Dennis Allen as their new head coach after interviewing Bieniemy over the weekend.

The debate between Allen, who has already had an NFL head coaching position and failed, is one thing. The absurdity of Bieniemy being so successful and interviewing more than a dozen times yet still not landing a job is pretty undeniable.

However, it might not be as simple as missing out and returning to the Chiefs this time. Bieniemy’s contract with the Chiefs is expiring, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. He could end up on the free market as an offensive coordinator.

Eric Bieniemy could leave the Chiefs after missing on another head coaching gig

It could make sense for Bieniemy to spread his wings and leave Reid’s shadow. Uncertainty about his overall influence on the offense could explain some of the questions about hiring him. If he went to another team and proved himself as a stand alone offensive coordinator, his chances of being hired as a head coach would certainly go up.

At the same time, Bieniemy could also bide his time and return to the Chiefs knowing he’s unlikely to have talents like Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce available to him if he leaves.

It could be a very interesting time for Kansas City as Reid and Bieniemy weigh their options.