Eric Bieniemy deal with Commanders another boon for Bengals’ continuity

The Cincinnati Bengals rather dramatically enjoy one of the NFL’s most underrated, precious commodities — coaching continuity.

In the 2023 season, head coach Zac Taylor, offensive coordinator Brian Callahan and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will all return for their fifth seasons together. Special teams coordinator Darrin Simmons enters his 21st.

Friday, the impressiveness of that feature strengthened with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy leaving the Super Bowl champions for the same role and title of assistant head coach with the Washington Commanders.

As The Athletic’s Jay Morrison helpfully pointed out, that makes the Bengals the only team in the league with their top three coaches all returning with at least five years together:

If it happens, the #Bengals become the only team in the league with a head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator in the same roles for at least 5 seasons.

Full list: https://t.co/Eblciyj48D https://t.co/69IzfiU4JG

— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) February 17, 2023

The entire article is very much worth a read because the NFL-wide chart keeping track of coaching continuity is staggering to see. Some teams, such as Baltimore, have a head coach of 16 years (John Harbaugh) but brand new coordinators. The Chiefs will now reset on the offensive side as Andy Reid heads into his 11th season and Steve Spagnuolo on the defensive side his fifth.

It’s a stunning boon for a Bengals team that has been to a Super Bowl and finished a few moments shy of another appearance over the last two seasons. It’s one of the bigger, quiet reasons the team figures to keep right on contending, as the consistent coaching turnover leaguewide shows.