Eric Bieniemy is returning to the NFL after a year in college football.
The former
Kansas City Chiefs and
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator is joining Ben Johnson's new staff with the
Chicago Bears as running backs coach,
CBS' Jonathan Jones reports.
After being fired by Washington as an assistant head coach on Ron Rivera's staff following the 2023 campaign, Bieniemy spent last season with
UCLA as the Bruins' assistant head coach and offensive coordinator.
Prior to joining the Commanders' staff, Bieniemy was the Chiefs offensive coordinator for five seasons and two Super Bowl champions. His inability to get hired as a head coach despite his success with Kansas City and work with
Patrick Mahomes was a persistent offseason question.
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The prevailing belief in NFL circles appeared to be that Bieniemy's talent as an OC was in doubt because head coach Andy Reid called plays for the Chiefs. Bieniemy left for Washington to show that he could run an offense and call plays away from Reid.
However, the Commanders finished in the NFL's bottom 10 in total offense, averaging 312.8 yards per game. Rivera caused a stir when he revealed that
players had come to him with concerns about Bieniemy's outspoken coaching style, and the head coach later apologized. Bieniemy was broomed out when Rivera was fired after the season.
Last season, UCLA
ranked No. 118 among FBS teams with Bieniemy running the offense for first-year head coach DeShaun Foster. The Bruins averaged 328.8 yards per game.
Following the season, Bieniemy's intent to return to the NFL was clear.
He reportedly interviewed for the OC position on Mike Vrabel's new staff with the
New England Patriots before
Josh McDaniels was hired.
View: https://youtu.be/E0OSrgRExwQ
Appearing on FS1's "Speak" on Friday, Bieniemy said he would enjoy rejoining the Chiefs' coaching staff if Reid had a spot for him.