Eric Bieniemy is making his comeback to the NFL after spending a year in college football.
The ex-offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders is set to join Ben Johnson’s new staff at the Chicago Bears as a running backs coach, according to CBS’ Jonathan Jones.
After his dismissal by Washington as an assistant head coach on Ron Rivera’s staff after the 2023 season, Bieniemy worked last year with UCLA as the Bruins’ assistant head coach and offensive coordinator.
Before becoming part of the Commanders’ staff, Bieniemy served as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator for five years and won two Super Bowl titles. His failure to land a head coaching position, despite his achievements in Kansas City and collaboration with Patrick Mahomes, was a recurring offseason topic.
The dominant notion in NFL circles seemed to be that Bieniemy’s abilities as an OC were questioned since head coach Andy Reid handled play-calling for the Chiefs. Bieniemy departed for Washington to demonstrate his ability to manage an offense and call plays independently from Reid.
Nonetheless, the Commanders ranked within the NFL’s bottom 10 for total offense, with an average of 312.8 yards per game. Rivera created a buzz when he disclosed that players approached him with worries regarding Bieniemy’s candid coaching approach, and the head coach subsequently issued an apology. Bieniemy was dismissed when Rivera was let go after the season.
In the previous season, UCLA was placed No. 118 among FBS teams with Bieniemy directing the offense under first-time head coach DeShaun Foster. The Bruins had an average of 328.8 yards each game.
After the season, Bieniemy’s desire to come back to the NFL was evident. He is said to have interviewed for the offensive coordinator role on Mike Vrabel’s new team with the New England Patriots prior to Josh McDaniels’ hiring.
During an appearance on FS1’s “Speak” on Friday, Bieniemy expressed that he would be happy to return to the Chiefs’ coaching staff if Reid had a position available for him.
“Should there be an opportunity to return, Coach Reid and I have many conversations,” Bieniemy stated. “He’s not just an excellent coach, but also an outstanding individual who serves as a role model and a father figure…” “If an opportunity were to arise, then yes.”
