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.
An NFL return: Eric Bieniemy has agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears to be their running backs coach, source tells @NFLonCBS. A 2-time Super Bowl champ with the Chiefs, Bieniemy gives Ben Johnson’s offensive staff a veteran, championship presence.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) February 1, 2025
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’s overview.
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.
Appearing on FS1’s “Speak” on Friday, Bieniemy said he would enjoy rejoining the Chiefs’ coaching staff if Reid had a spot for him.
“If there was an invitation to go back, me and Coach Reid, we talk a lot,” Bieniemy said. “Not only is he a great coach, but he’s a great person who happens to be a role model, a father figure… If there was ever an opportunity that could present itself, yes.”
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