Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has landed a new job in college. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel and Adam Schefter, Bieniemy is finalizing a two-year deal to become UCLA’s associate head coach and offensive coordinator.
“Southern California,” Bieniemy wrote in an email, per Schefter. “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 was previously employed.”
Bieniemy will have full autonomy of the Bruins’ offense.
Bieniemy became one of the hottest assistant names in the NFL as an offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs reached the AFC Championship Game in each of the five seasons Bieniemy led the offense, winning two of three Super Bowl appearances.
However, Bieniemy didn’t land a head coach position in the NFL. Last season, he left Kansas City for the Washington Commanders, becoming the assistant head coach under Ron Rivera. The move seemed puzzling to some insiders. Yet, Bieniemy hoped to finally break from the shadows of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
Unfortunately, the move to Washington was not as productive. The Commanders finished the 2023-24 season with a 4-13 record. The offense struggled, ranking 24th in total yards and 25th in scoring with young quarterback Sam Howell at the helm.
Eric Bieniemy looks to rebuild stock after dismal year with Commanders
The Commanders’ new ownership, led by Josh Harris and Magic Johnson, fired Rivera at the end of the season. Bieniemy interviewed for Washington’s head coach opening that ultimately was given to Dan Quinn. Quinn opted not to retain Bieniemy as offensive coordinator, dismissing him after hiring Kliff Kingsbury.
Bieniemy drew interest from the NFL as an offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. However, he heads to UCLA. The Bruins are transitioning from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten Conference next season.
The program is also transitioning from head coach Chip Kelly, who abruptly left to become the offensive coordinator at Ohio State under Ryan Day. The Bruins hired alumnus and former NFL running back DeShaun Foster as head coach.
Bieniemy had a previous stint at UCLA. He was running backs coach for the Bruins from 2003 until 2005 before heading to the NFL coaching ranks.
For whatever reason, Bieniemy hasn’t landed a head coach job. Last season, he got the AHC title in Washington. He went through a tough transition from the best head coach and quarterback in the league to Ron Rivera, a lame-duck head coach, and Sam Howell, a young QB with one pro start.
Bieniemy’s stock dropped tremendously after his lone year in Washington. Now, he gets an opportunity to restore his value by coaching in college. There is a high level of intrigue at UCLA with Foster as head coach and the jump to the Big Ten. Bieniemy adds interest to the 2024 season in Los Angeles.
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