Former Washington Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is finalizing a two-year deal to join the UCLA staff as associate head coach/offensive coordinator for the Bruins, sources told ESPN on Saturday night.
The move represents an important hire for new UCLA coach DeShaun Foster, who intends to forge an NFL identity with the Bruins. It also marks a return for Bieniemy, who grew up in the area and was a Bruins assistant from 2003-05.
“Southern California,” Bieniemy wrote in an email Saturday. “I went to high school there. I started my major league career here [with the Chargers]. “It’s great to be back with the Bruins, where I used to work.”
Bieniemy had chances to stay in the NFL. He interviewed for the Chiefs' head coach job, and two other offensive coordinator jobs. Bieniemy said an NFL team offered him the assistant head coach/linebacker job. But in the end, he took his time and found his way back to school.
“I have had countless conversations and interviews with many teams and have received praise and praise,” Bieniemy wrote. “I cannot say why certain decisions were or were not made, but there was nothing to do [do] With nothing on my end.
“My self-dignity, worth, integrity, character, or masculinity will never be questioned or compromised. It's not always about the money either. With everything in life, it's often about timing. At this time in my life, the opportunity 'gives me the joy of continuing to be a maker “And to be a leader of men, to do what I love, and follow my passions and dreams without compromising my identity as a man.”
This will be Bieniemy's first college job since serving as offensive coordinator at Colorado from 2011-12. Foster prioritized hiring a coach with Bieniemy's experience — and Bieniemy was equally excited about trying to help the rookie head coach at UCLA.
For Foster, who is entering his first season as head coach, the hiring is crucial. Foster has no coordinating experience. Bringing in someone with Bieniemy's breadth of experience, he began laying out a vision for what UCLA would look like on that side of the ball. Former head coach Chip Kelly served as UCLA's offensive play caller in recent seasons.
“This is a great opportunity for me to help support Deshaun as a head coach, work with him and work with him as well,” Bieniemy wrote. “My goal is to help him be a successful coach in our profession.
“It is an opportunity for me and my family to return to the place we once called home.”
Bieniemy brings 16 years of NFL experience to the Bruins. Bieniemy spent the 2023 season as the Chiefs' offensive coordinator and won two Super Bowls as the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive coordinator, a role he held from 2018-2022.
As a coach with five straight conference championship appearances that included three Super Bowl appearances in that span, Bieniemy believes he brings a lot to the Bruins that can translate on the recruiting trail.
“My goal is to help generate some excitement for prospective student-athletes to consider attending UCLA as we collectively prepare to move up the Big Ten Conference in recruiting,” he wrote.
There have been other coaches who have returned from the NFL to college and been successful. Bieniemy noted that Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh, Bill O'Brien and Kliff Kingsbury have done so. Now he's doing the same, leaving the NFL and returning to school, aiming to conquer his new world.
“I don’t regret the leaders,” Bieniemy wrote. “Contrary to what some people think and what has been reported in the media, I was not fired. I actually chose not to stay. I learned a lot and that is always a good thing.”
“I will continue my career in peace. I am excited to be here and to coach these young men and football again. My expectations and desire to be excellent will never be denied. I am excited. Let's go.”
“Food ninja. Friendly thinker. Explorer. Entrepreneur. Zombie junkie.