Commanders' Eric Bieniemy responds to comments about his intensity

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy realizes players can sometimes find him a bit too "intense," particularly during practices. 

"One thing they do appreciate is this: I'm always going to be upfront and I'm always going to be honest," Bieniemy said about Washington players on Tuesday, per Nick Shook of the NFL's website. "Just like I stated when I first got here: We've all got to get uncomfortable to get comfortable. There's some new demands and expectations that I expect. I expect us to be the team that we're supposed to be. It's not gonna be easy, and everybody ain't gonna like the process. But when it's all said and done with, my job is to make sure that we're doing it the right way."

Bieniemy was responding to how head coach Ron Rivera revealed earlier on Tuesday that some Washington players struggled to adapt to the former's personality and intense nature during practices. It was previously rumored that Bieniemy, who earned two Super Bowl rings while serving as the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, developed some friction with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes during their relationship. An ESPN piece noted in February that Bieniemy left Kansas City for Washington this offseason in part to handle primary play-calling duties with the NFC East club. 

ESPN's John Keim reported Tuesday afternoon that a source told him "there was concern over how some players would handle (Bieniemy's) approach" after the 53-year-old was hired by Washington. 

"If I ain't doing my job, my a-- gets fired," a defiant Bieniemy continued on Tuesday. "It's my job and my responsibility to make sure I'm getting our guys to do what I'm expecting them to do."

Part of Bieniemy's job is to get the best out of the winner of the quarterback competition between unproven 2022 fifth-round draft pick Sam Howell and free-agency signing Jacoby Brissett. According to ESPN stats, Washington's offense finished last regular season 24th in scoring with an average of 18.9 points per game. 

"Eric Bieniemy is who he is," Bieniemy added about his coaching style. "Eric Bieniemy knows how to adapt and adjust. Eric Bieniemy is a tough, hard-nosed coach. But also understand, I'm going to be their biggest and harshest critic, but I'm also their No. 1 fan because I've got their back and I'm gonna support them at all times."

As of Tuesday afternoon, OddsChecker listed the Commanders as the top betting underdogs at +1600 odds to claim the division crown for the upcoming campaign. Whether or not Bieniemy's intensity can help Washington prove doubters wrong could go a long way in determining if he lands a head-coaching job as soon as this coming winter.