Should the Vikings bring back an old friend for 2024?

Eric Bieniemy is now in need of a new job in the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings could use the help from their former running backs coach.

During Kevin O'Connell's first two seasons as the team's head coach, the rushing attack for the Minnesota Vikings has been, well, it's been atrocious.

Since 2022, the Vikings have averaged 4.0 yards per rushing attempt, which ranks 27th in the NFL. It hasn't even been the fact that Minnesota doesn't even run the ball frequently, because even when they do actually turn to their rushing attack, they haven't been able to do it successfully.

Luckily for the Vikings, a certain offensive mind with a track record of generating success in the running back room just became available.

Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator could help Minnesota Vikings in 2024

After spending the seasons between 2012 and 2022 with the Kansas City Chiefs, Eric Bieniemy decided to take an opportunity in 2023 to become the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders.

Well, after the conclusion of the 2023 season, the Commanders fired head coach Ron Rivera, and now, the team's new coaching staff has decided not to keep Bieniemy around as their offensive coordinator.

Bieniemy has been an assistant coach in the NFL for a long time (including a five-year stint with the Vikings between 2006 and 2010), so he will likely land on his feet somewhere before the 2024 season, with the Chiefs bringing him back being the most probable outcome at this moment.

But before he potentially winds up back in Kansas City, O'Connell should consider giving Bieniemy a call to see if he would be interested in joining Minnesota's staff, either as a replacement for current Vikings running backs coach Curtis Modkins, or possibly just as another addition to the offensive staff.

While Washington's offense only ranked 24th in points scored per drive last season, the group did rank seventh in rushing yards per attempt under Bieniemy's watch.

In fact, the 2023 Commanders are the fourth team in the last six years that Bieniemy has helped lead to a ranking inside the top 10 in rushing yards per attempt. The guy just knows how to get the most out of his running back room.

In addition to the opportunity to have Bieniemy help improve their rushing attack, he also played a significant role in the development of Chiefs All-Pro quarterback Patrick Mahomes during his time in Kansas City.

Many are expecting Minnesota to add a young quarterback prospect from one of the first two days of this year's NFL Draft, so Bieniemy could potentially help out with the development of whoever they end up drafting, just as he did with Mahomes.

Yes, Washington's offense was not a success with Bieniemy running it in 2023. But he still has plenty to offer as a veteran offensive mind in the NFL, and the Vikings should at least consider adding him to their staff before the 2024 season.