Eric Bieniemy was a prominent figure with the Washington Commanders last season. He has navigated through recent turbulence in the ever-revolving door of NFL coaching. The dismissal of head coach Ron Rivera marked a crucial moment for the Commanders, leading to the appointment of Dan Quinn.
However, this change didn’t bode well for Bieniemy as well, resulting in the conclusion of his tenure with the Commanders. Renowned for his past role as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, Bieniemy has now shifted gears towards college coaching.
Eric Bieniemy linked with move to UCLA
Eric Bieniemy is reportedly going to finalize a two-year deal to join UCLA. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel reported the news, indicating the veteran will serve as an associate head coach and offensive coordinator under new UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster.
For Bieniemy, this hiring not only marks a return to his hometown area but also to a where he previously served as a Bruins assistant from 2003 to 2005. He expressed his excitement by highlighting the sentimental value attached to this move.
“Southern California. I attended high school there. I started my career in the league here (with the Chargers). It’s obviously great to be back with the Bruins, where I was previously employed. It’s an opportunity for my family and I to return back to a place that we once called home,” he said.
The coach attracted interest from NFL teams for various coaching positions, including offensive coordinator roles and even head coach interviews. However, he opted for UCLA, citing personal reasons and the allure of returning to familiar territory. The vet didn’t disclose specifics about the other teams he considered, but it’s evident that the opportunity to contribute to UCLA’s football program resonated deeply with him.
This move to UCLA marks Eric Bieniemy’s first venture into college football since his stint as Colorado’s offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2012. He had previously coached running backs at UCLA from 2003 to 2005, creating a full-circle moment in his coaching career.
Eric Bieniemy NFL career recap
Eric Bieniemy embarked on his professional journey when he was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the second round as the 39th overall pick of the 1991 NFL Draft. His career spanned over a decade in the league.
A highlight of the former running back’s NFL tenure came in 1994, when he graced the Super Bowl stage with the Chargers. He contributed significantly with a 33-yard reception, the longest for his team in the game. Throughout his career, he played for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1995 to 1998, and he concluded his playing days with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1999.
His cumulative career stats include 1,589 rushing yards along with 1,223 receiving yards, 276 return yards, and 1,621 kickoff return yards, as well as a total of 12 touchdowns.
Before his NFL ventures, Eric Bieniemy made waves at the University of Colorado. He earned accolades as a unanimous All-American in 1990 and also finished third in the Heisman voting that season.
