Brock Purdy’s position coach is a top candidate to become the new offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. With Dan Quinn taking over as head coach, changes are expected in the coaching staff, starting with the coordinator positions. One potential replacement for Eric Bieniemy is former NFL quarterback Brian Griese, who has been mentoring Purdy as the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.
Griese is a notable name on the list of candidates compiled by Ben Standig of The Athletic. Standig highlights Griese’s transition from the broadcast booth to coaching Purdy and how Purdy’s rise from an overlooked draft pick to a potential MVP candidate reflects the quarterback’s talent and the effectiveness of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system.
Another candidate from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree is passing game specialist Klint Kubiak, who also interviewed for the New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator position. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Saints are working to hire Kubiak as their offensive coordinator after he coaches his final game with the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.
However, any team interested in hiring Kubiak or Griese will have to wait until after the Super Bowl, as the 49ers are focused on their game against the Kansas City Chiefs on February 11.
Both Griese and Kubiak have strong connections to Shanahan, making them logical replacements for Bieniemy. Kubiak previously worked as Quinn’s offensive coordinator when the Atlanta Falcons made it to the Super Bowl in 2017.
Griese’s work with Purdy gives him an advantage in the race for the Commanders’ offensive coordinator position. He has played a significant role in Purdy’s development from a seventh-round pick to a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback. Griese’s ability to put Purdy in situations that maximize his strengths, such as handling the football skillfully and making quick reads off play-action, has been crucial to Purdy’s success. In fact, Purdy had the highest grade on play-action throws this season, according to PFF SF 49ers.
BROCK PURDY: NFL KING OF PLAY-ACTION PASSES
Brock Purdy has been dominating the NFL with his incredible play-action passes this season, earning him a staggering 95.5 PFF grade. As the first in the league, Purdy has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. The success of his play-action game can be attributed to the Shanahan offense, which is widely regarded as the most effective blueprint for scoring points in the NFL.
One person who understands the intricacies of the Shanahan offense is Brian Griese. Not only has he coached within the system, but he has also played under the guidance of Kyle’s father, Mike Shanahan, during his time with the Denver Broncos from 1998-2002. Griese’s experience and familiarity with the scheme make him the ideal candidate to bring the Shanahan offense back to the Washington Commanders, a franchise that hasn’t utilized it since Mike and Kyle’s tenure from 2010-2013.
Griese’s expertise as a quarterback further solidifies his candidacy for the Commanders’ offensive coordinator position. With the second-overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders are likely to select their next quarterback. Griese’s ability to develop young talent was evident in his work with Purdy, refining his technique and showcasing his skills during the NFC Championship Game against the Detroit Lions.
In a play that perfectly exemplified Purdy’s growth under Griese’s guidance, he executed a precise drop, set his feet, and climbed the pocket before delivering a pinpoint throw to Deebo Samuel. The ball placement was impeccable, allowing Samuel to gain significant yards after the catch. This type of play is exactly what the Commanders need from their future quarterback, something that their previous offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, struggled to consistently achieve with Sam Howell.
Despite Bieniemy’s previous success as the offensive coordinator for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, Howell’s regression and a lack of a consistent running game raised concerns about his ability to lead the Commanders’ offense effectively. Additionally, there were questions surrounding his coaching style and how well he connected with his players. These are issues that the Commanders are looking to address under the leadership of their new head coach, Dan Quinn.
With the expected arrival of a Dallas Cowboys’ assistant as the defensive coordinator, Quinn’s overhaul of the Commanders’ coaching staff is well underway. By bringing in Griese as the offensive coordinator, the Commanders hope to revitalize their offense and find success with their next quarterback. Only time will tell if this decision proves to be the right one, but the Commanders are optimistic about the future under their new coaching regime.
