Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is finalizing a two-year deal to join the UCLA staff as the Bruins' associate head coach/offensive coordinator, sources told ESPN on Saturday night.
The move marks a major hire for new UCLA coach DeShaun Foster, who intends to forge an NFL identity with the Bruins. It also marks a homecoming for Bieniemy, who grew up in the area and was an assistant for the Bruins from 2003-05.
“Southern California,” Bieniemy wrote in an email Saturday. “I went to high school there. I started my league career here. [with the Chargers]. “It's obviously great to be back with the Bruins, where I previously worked.”
Bieniemy had opportunities to stay in the NFL. He interviewed for the Commanders' head coaching position and two other offensive coordinator positions. Bieniemy said an NFL team offered him their assistant head coaching/running backs position. But he finally took his time and found his way back to school.
“I have had countless conversations and interviews with many teams, and they have applauded and praised me,” Bieniemy wrote. “I can't say why certain decisions were made or not made, but it had nothing to do with it.” [do] with something missing on my part.
“My personal dignity, my worth, my integrity, my personality and my manhood will never be questioned or compromised. It's not always about money either. With everything that happens in life, it's often all about timing. In This moment in my life, the opportunity “Gives me the pleasure of continuing to be a creator and leader of men, doing what I love, following my passion and my dreams without compromising who I am as a man.”
It will be Bieniemy's first college job since he worked as Colorado's offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2012. Foster made it a priority to hire a coach with Bieniemy's experience, and Bieniemy was equally excited to try to help UCLA's rookie head coach.
For Foster, who is entering his first season as head coach, the hire is crucial. Foster has no experience as a coordinator. By bringing in someone with Bieniemy's extensive experience, he has begun to set the vision for what UCLA will look like on that side of the ball. Former head coach Chip Kelly served as UCLA's offensive play-caller the past few seasons.
“This is a great opportunity for me to help support DeShaun as a head coach, work with him and for him as well,” Bieniemy wrote. “My goal is to help you be a successful head coach in our profession.
“It's a chance for my family and me to return to a place we once called home.”
Bieniemy brings 16 years of NFL experience to the Bruins. Bieniemy spent the 2023 season as the Commanders' offensive coordinator and won two Super Bowls as the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive coordinator, a position he held from 2018-2022.
As a coach who went to five consecutive conference championship games that included three Super Bowl appearances in that span, Bieniemy believes he brings a lot to the Bruins that can translate to the recruiting process.
“My goal is to help generate some excitement for potential student-athletes to consider attending UCLA as we collectively prepare to move into the Big Ten Conference in recruiting,” he wrote.
There have been other coaches who went from the NFL to college and were successful. Bieniemy noted that Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh, Bill O'Brien and Kliff Kingsbury did it. Now he's doing the same, leaving the NFL and returning to school, looking to conquer his new world.
“I have no regrets about the commanders,” wrote Bieniemy. “Contrary to what some think and what has been reported in the media, I was not fired. In fact, I simply decided not to stay. I learned a lot and that is always a good thing.
“I will continue my path in peace. I am excited to be here and coach these young men and football again. My expectations and my desire to be excellent will never be rejected. I am excited. Let's go.”
