Eric Bieniemy can't spin his way out of dismal UCLA season

In February 2024, Bieniemy signed a two-year deal at UCLA to be its associated head coach and offensive coordinator, raising skepticism about Fletcher's claim of Bieniemy's departure being mutual.

Fletcher also tried to explain why Bieniemy accepted the job in the first place, saying that the former Chiefs Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator "wanted to stay active and busy" after interviewing for head coaching jobs last year.

Has Bieniemy never heard of CrossFit? Peloton? LARPing?

In his lone season calling the Bruins offense, UCLA ranked 126th in scoring offense (18.4 points per game) and  117th in total offense (328.8 yards per game).

It makes sense why Bieniemy would want to distance himself from the awful Bruins offense, but Fletcher's spin doesn't stick.

Bieniemy, who joined the Chiefs in 2013 as the franchise's running backs coach in head coach Andy Reid's first season, was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018, a post he held for five seasons.

In 2023, Bieniemy coordinated the Commanders offense, which ranked 25th in scoring (19.4 points per game) and 24th in total offense (312.8 yards per game).

Washington ranked first in pass attempts (636) with 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell at quarterback. He threw a league-high 21 interceptions.

Bieniemy has a reputation as a hard-nosed and demanding coach.

Last year during Washington's preseason, former head coach Ron Rivera told reporters that some players had approached him with concerns about Bieniemy's intense approach. 

In response, Bieniemy said, "I'm always going to be loud, always going to be vocal, always going to demand from my leaders."

He should also demand more from himself. But by trying to change the narrative surrounding his UCLA firing, Bieniemy doesn't appear interested in accepting blame for his failures.