Bucs coaching search begins with Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy, Vikings DC George Edwards

TAMPA — Andy Reid's coaching tree has been pretty fertile and the latest hot assistant is Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who is being considered for a head coaching job by the Bucs and three other teams.

The Jets, Dolphins and Cardinals also have asked for permission to interview Bieniemy for their head coaching vacancies, according to reports from the NFL Network and Yahoo Sports.

"We'll see how it goes," Reid said Monday. The Chiefs host an AFC divisional playoff game Jan. 12.

"The primary focus is the game, but at the same time, when you're given an opportunity to interview, then you prepare yourself and do the best you can there. I would expect that, too. That's all part of it. But also get the work done we need to win a game."

Bieniemy, 49, has never been a head coach at any level. He played nine seasons in the NFL as a running back for the Chargers, Bengals and Eagles. But Bieniemy has worked as a running backs coach and has been an offensive coordinator at Colorado and with the Chiefs.

When asked if the Bucs would be willing to wait and interview candidates from playoff teams, Bucs general manager Jason Licht said "absolutely."

The Bucs also plan to interview Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards, according to the NFL Network.

Edwards interviewed last year for the head coaching job of the Chicago Bears that went to Reid's former Chief offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy. Eagles coach Doug Pederson, another Reid disciple, was the offensive coordinator in Kansas City from 2013-15.

Edwards has had stops as an assistant coach with six teams since 1998.  He also was a defensive coordinator with the Redskins and Bills. Edwards joined the staff of Vikings coach Mike Zimmer in 2014.

The Bucs have one of the NFL's best offenses and set franchise records in points scored, total yards, passing yards and touchdown passes.

But defensively, the Bucs struggled and were allowing more than 34 points per game when they fired defensive coordinator Mike Smith five games into the 2018 season.

"Right now, it's about the best fit and that doesn't exclude any defensive coach or offensive coach," Licht said. "It's just the best coach."

Monken will interview for Jets HC

Bucs offensive coordinator Todd Monken will travel Monday to interview for the New York Jets' head coaching job.

Monken, who also coaches receivers for the Bucs until this season, called plays for a Tampa Bay offense that set numerous club records and was among the best in the NFL.

Monken joined the Bucs in 2016 after leading Southern Miss to a 9-5 record  and bowl victory.

"That guy has a resume that's better than most of the names we're talking about," said NFL Network analyst Charley Casserly. "If he had a better address, he would be at the top of people's lists."