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Pairing NFL teams with the best head coaching candidates in 2023

By Michael Johnson

Jan 25, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton speaks during a press conference at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton speaks during a press conference at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 04: Eric Bieniemy looks on during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Indianapolis Colts and Eric Bieniemy

Chaos and upheaval are two words to describe the Indianapolis Colts franchise. Marked by multiple coaches being fired and multiple quarterbacks being benched, the team looks to move forward in the search for their next quarterback and head coach. Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is the ideal guy, and he’s already been interviewed for the job. The fact that Bieniemy has yet to be hired as a head coach has been a source of confusion for many in the NFL, but his experience and track record make him a strong fit for the Colts.

Bieniemy has been the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator for the past five seasons, working under highly-respected head coach Andy Reid and playing a key role in the development of superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. It doesn’t hurt that Reid’s coaching tree has produced successful head coaches such as Buffalo’s Sean McDermott, Jacksonville’s Doug Pederson, Baltimore’s John Harbaugh, and Washington’s Ron Rivera.

Another advantage to hiring Bieniemy has ties to the Colts organization, one being with GM Chris Ballard. Ballard’s familiarity with Bieniemy stems from their tenure with the Kansas City’s. During that time, Bieniemy coached the running backs while Ballard served in the front office. Ballard has often spoken about the lessons he learned from working with Reid in Kansas City and hiring Bieniemy would be a nod to that experience.

Bieniemy is praised for his leadership style and ability to connect with his players. He’s an effective communicator who builds strong relationships with players — a valuable trait for the Colts, who struggled to find continuity and stability in recent years.

The Colts are in a division without a dominant team, which means that a quick turnaround is possible with the right leadership. If the Colts make the right hire and land the right quarterback, they can turn the page on a chaotic season and look forward to a brighter future. The Colts, have struggled to recover from Andrew Luck’s sudden retirement in 2019. Bieniemy’s offensive expertise would help a young quarterback. A better option for Bieniemy would be Derek Carr, a great leader with elite traits that could help take an NFL team to the next level.

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