:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68684963/1199307792.jpg.0.jpg)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieninemy will interview virtually with the Houston Texans on Monday, after the NFL changed the rules to allow it to happen, according to NFL Network.
The NFL has granted clubs permission to conduct virtual interviews this week with head-coaching candidates who are still in the playoffs, provided the employer club consents, per source. Notable for the likes of Eric Bieniemy and Todd Bowles, who interviews with the #Eagles today
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 18, 2021
The #Texans are set to do a virtual interview with #Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy today, source said. Thanks to the NFL and KC allowing it, Houston doesn’t have to wait until after the playoffs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2021
Teams previously had to wait for coaches still involved in the playoffs to be eliminated (or get to their Super Bowl bye week) before interviewing again. Every team that has had a head coach opening this offseason has spoken to Bieniemy or is planning on it.
Only two of those jobs remain available — the Texans and the Philadelphia Eagles.
As has been widely reported since last week, Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has been unhappy with the franchise for its decisions this offseason. In his weekly “Football Morning in America” column, NBC Sports’ Peter King suggested that the one way to get out of the “mess” would be to hire Bieniemy, who is Watson’s reported choice to replace Bill O’ Brien, whom the team fired earlier this year.