Current:Home > News'I put my foot in my mouth': Commanders coach Ron Rivera walks back comments on Eric Bieniemy-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
'I put my foot in my mouth': Commanders coach Ron Rivera walks back comments on Eric Bieniemy
View Date:2024-12-23 23:40:24
One day after Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera admitted that some players "concerned" with new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's intensity had asked to meet with him, Rivera is walking back his comments.
Speaking ahead of the team's Wednesday training camp practice, Rivera told reporters "I put my foot in my mouth" before adding that "I wasn't as clear as I probably needed to be and I own that and that's on me."
In Tuesday's news conference, Rivera was asked about the intensity of Bieniemy. He said some players had approached him to address Bieniemy's coaching style and that he suggested the players talk directly with Bieniemy.
Tuesday afternoon, after the comments circulated online, many media and former players criticized the players on Washington for seemingly failing to take direct and pointed coaching and for going above Bieniemy's head to complain.
Commanders safety Kamren Curl posted a message Tuesday on social media that said "ain't nobody soft over here," seemingly in response to the criticism Washington's players faced after Rivera's comments. Rivera said he did not address the players about his Tuesday comments.
"We're aligned," Rivera said Wednesday. "As I've said many times since I hired Eric, I loved his overall message to the team his first day — that was basically that we have to learn to be comfortable when we're uncomfortable. Those guys on that side of the ball, things are uncomfortable. There's been a lot of change, and the entire way of doing things has changed on the offensive side. Change is hard and I've always encouraged our players to have great dialogue and build relationships with our staff.
"Since those conversations took place with Eric and the players, I've seen the improvements. The last couple practices have probably been the best of training camp, which I think is great. That displays how the team has embraced the message and how he does things and how he wants things done."
Bieniemy, 53, is entering his first season with the Commanders after his offense with the Kansas City Chiefs became one of the more explosive outfits during his five seasons (2018-22) as coordinator. He is also serving as Washington's assistant head coach and is in his 25th season as an assistant in the NFL.
Washington's offense ranked 24th last season in scoring (18.9 points per game), 28th in total yards per play (4.93) and struggled significantly inside the red zone.
What did Ron Rivera previously say about Eric Bieniemy?
"They have," Rivera told reporters Tuesday when asked if any players had to adapt or struggle with Bieniemy's style. "I had a number of guys come to me and I said, 'Hey, just go talk to him.' I said, 'Understand what he’s trying to get across to you.' I think as they go and they talk and they listen to him, it’s been enlightening for a lot of these guys. I mean, it’s a whole different approach.
"Again, you’re getting a different kind of player from the players back in the past, especially in light of how things are coming out of college football. So a lot of these young guys, they do struggle with certain things."
What has Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said about coaching style?
While some media and people on social media criticized Washington's players for going to Rivera, some of Bieniemy's previous players defended him. Current Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill, who starred under Bieniemy's direction while with the Chiefs, said Bieniemy "will make you better" in a social media post.
Bieniemy, for his part, did not deny that he adopts a direct style.
"Yes, I am intense," Bieniemy told reporters later on Tuesday. "Eric Bieniemy is who he is. 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 going to support them at all times."
veryGood! (283)
Related
- Hurricane-damaged Tropicana Field can be fixed for about $55M in time for 2026 season, per report
- NCAA hands former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh a 4-year show cause order for recruiting violations
- Nevada county won’t hand-count in 2024, but some officials support doing so in the future
- 'The Umbrella Academy' Season 4: Release date, time, cast, how to watch new episodes
- Princess Kate makes rare public appearance after completing cancer chemo
- Chemical substances found at home of Austrian suspected of planning attack on Taylor Swift concerts
- Alabama approved a medical marijuana program in 2021. Patients are still waiting for it.
- It's my party, and I'll take it seriously if I want to: How Partiful revived the evite
- Jason Kelce collaborates with Stevie Nicks for Christmas duet: Hear the song
- '1 in 100 million': Watch as beautiful, rare, cotton candy lobster explores new home
Ranking
- It's Red Cup Day at Starbucks: Here's how to get your holiday cup and cash in on deals
- Could Starliner astronauts return on a different craft? NASA eyes 2025 plan with SpaceX
- USA men's volleyball mourns chance at gold after losing 5-set thriller, will go for bronze
- NCAA hits former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh with suspension, show-cause for recruiting violations
- 'Unfortunate error': 'Wicked' dolls with porn site on packaging pulled from Target, Amazon
- Alabama approved a medical marijuana program in 2021. Patients are still waiting for it.
- Charges: D'Vontaye Mitchell died after being held down for about 9 minutes
- Jury finds man guilty of sending 17-year-old son to rob and kill rapper PnB Rock
Recommendation
-
Kristin Cavallari's Ex Mark Estes Jokingly Proposed to This Love Island USA Star
-
On Long Island, Republicans defend an unlikely stronghold as races could tip control of Congress
-
US Olympic figure skating team finally gets its golden moment in shadow of Eiffel Tower
-
IOC's decision to separate speed climbing from other disciplines paying off
-
Should Georgia bench Carson Beck with CFP at stake against Tennessee? That's not happening
-
Snooty waiters. Gripes about the language. Has Olympics made Paris more tourist-friendly?
-
A steeplechase record at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Then a proposal. (He said yes.)
-
Video shows dog chewing cellphone battery pack, igniting fire in Oklahoma home