For all of the old-school football players, coaches and fans, this is a tough story to hear.
According to reports, some Washington Commanders players are complaining that new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is too intense and too hard on them in practice.
To his credit, Bieniemy defended his fiery approach, and made it clear that he won’t be changing his coaching style no matter what.
“I’m always going to be loud, always going to be vocal, always going to demand from my leaders,” Bieniemy confidently stated. “If I ain’t doing my job, my ass gets fired. It’s my job and my responsibility to make sure I’m getting our guys to do what I’m expecting them to do.”
Eric Bieniemy’s response from the presser earlier. One of his best soundbytes that I can remember. Video is from Washington Commanders live stream. https://t.co/hNolMjfUpH pic.twitter.com/W5j2jNIa1u
— Nick Jacobs (@Jacobs71) August 8, 2023
Bieniemy, who arrived in Washington this offseason after a successful stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, is determined to reshape the team’s offensive performance.
The Commanders offense has struggled in recent years, and Head Coach Ron Rivera brought in Bieniemy to ignite a much-needed transformation.
“It’s a critical year for us, and Eric brings the intensity we need,” Coach Rivera acknowledged. “He’s here to push us beyond our limits and achieve success.”
Bieniemy’s demanding coaching style has been evident throughout the spring and summer practices. His booming voice resonates on the field as he guides players to perform at their best, both through corrections and praises.
“I want our guys to clearly understand we don’t take anything for granted,” he emphasized. “Eric Bieniemy is who he is. Eric Bieniemy knows how to adapt and adjust. Eric Bieniemy is a tough, hard-nosed coach, but also understands I’m going to be the biggest and harshest critic but also their number one fan. I got their back…all the time.”
That is exactly what you want to hear out of your coach (minus the third-person references!)
Despite some initial skepticism from players, many have come to appreciate Bieniemy’s approach as they witness its positive impact firsthand.
“I had a number of guys come to me and I said, ‘Hey, just go talk to him.’ I said, ‘Understand what he’s trying to get across to you,'” Rivera shared. “As they go and they talk and they listen to him, it’s been enlightening for a lot of these guys. I mean, it’s a whole different approach.”
Bieniemy’s dedication to fostering open communication and understanding has won some of the team’s respect.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson highlighted this aspect of the coach’s leadership.
“One of the biggest things he talked about with us is just communicating,” Dotson explained. “We can go to him, his door’s always open. That’s what you want in a coach, a guy who listens, a guy who acts upon the things you asked for. He’s helping us get to where we want to be.”
Despite the initial adjustments and challenges, players are recognizing the long-term benefits of Bieniemy’s rigorous coaching methods.
“Sometimes some people can come off a little more softer, more caring, but sometimes you need somebody to get into you. It just helps you. That shows they really care and at the same time it’s like, ‘Get this done so he ain’t yelling at me,'” running back Antonio Gibson said.
As Washington Commanders strive for a triumphant season, the intense practices led by Bieniemy are expected to instill a culture of accountability, discipline, and winning spirit that could propel the team to new heights.
As far as the players who complained – ESPN’s Booger McFarland summed it up best…
.@ESPNBooger on players' response to Eric Bieniemy's coaching:
"Players are just soft. … Take the coaching, get better and move on." pic.twitter.com/maMYxgFgUU
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) August 8, 2023
What do you think about Bieniemy’s old-school approach?
How do you see the Commanders doing this season?
Will they make the playoffs?