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Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, is on the verge of finalizing a two-year contract to join UCLA’s coaching staff as the Bruins’ associate head coach and offensive coordinator, according to a report from ESPN.
Background and Decision: From NFL to UCLA
This move represents a significant step for new UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster, who aims to establish an NFL-inspired approach with the Bruins. It’s also a homecoming for Bieniemy, who grew up in the area and previously served as a Bruins assistant from 2003 to 2005.
“Southern California,” Bieniemy wrote in an email Saturday. “I attended high school there. I started my career in the league here [with the Chargers]. It’s obviously great to be back with the Bruins, where I worked.”
Bieniemy had chances to remain in the NFL. He interviewed with the Commanders for their head-coaching job and two other teams about being an offensive coordinator. One team even offered him a job as assistant head coach/running backs coach. But instead, he decided to take his time and head back to school.
“I have had countless conversations and interviews with many teams, and I have been applauded and lauded,” Bieniemy wrote. “I can’t say why certain decisions were or were not made but it had nothing to [do] with a lack of anything on my end.
“My self-dignity, worth, integrity, personhood, manhood will never be questioned or compromised. It is not always about money, either. With everything in life, it is often all about timing. At this time in my life, the opportunity affords me the pleasure of continuing to be a maker and leader of men to do what I love, follow my passion and my dreams while not compromising on who I am as a man.”
Supporting Head Coach Foster
This will be Bieniemy’s first college coaching job since his tenure as Colorado’s offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2012. Foster sought a coach with Bieniemy’s experience to help shape UCLA’s offensive strategy.
Foster hasn’t been a coordinator before. By bringing in someone like Bieniemy, who has a lot of experience, he’s starting to shape UCLA’s vision for that side of the game. Chip Kelly, the previous head coach, handled offensive playcalling for UCLA in the past seasons.
“This is a great opportunity for me to help support DeShaun as a head coach. I will work with him and to work for him as well,” Bieniemy wrote. “My goal is to help him to be a successful head coach in our profession.
“It’s an opportunity for my family and me to return back to a place that we once called home.”
Bringing NFL Experience to College
Bieniemy brings 16 years of NFL experience to the Bruins. He served as the Commanders’ offensive coordinator in 2023 and achieved success as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, winning two Super Bowls from 2018 to 2022.
With five consecutive conference championship games and three Super Bowl appearances under his belt, Bieniemy feels he can bring valuable experience to the Bruins, especially in recruiting.
“My goal is to help generate some excitement for potential student-athletes to consider attending UCLA as we collectively prepare for the move to the Big Ten Conference in recruiting,” he wrote.
Other coaches have made successful moves from the NFL to college, like Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh, Bill O’Brien, and Kliff Kingsbury. Now, Bieniemy is following suit, leaving the NFL to return to school with the aim of making his mark in his new environment.
Conclusion: Bieniemy’s Excitement for UCLA
“I have no regrets with the Commanders,” Bieniemy wrote. “Contrary to what some think and what has been put out in the media, I was not fired. I actually just chose not to stay. Learned a lot and that is always a good thing.
“I will continue my walk in my peace. I’m excited to be here and to coach these young men and football again. My expectations and desire to be excellent will never be turned down. I’m fired up. Let’s go.”
