Former NFL Assistant Coach Eric Bieniemy Joins UCLA as Offensive Coordinator and Associate Head Coach

After 16 successful seasons as an NFL assistant coach, Eric Bieniemy has made a notable transition by accepting the position of offensive coordinator and associate head coach at UCLA.

In a personalized email sent to ESPN.com, Bieniemy clarified his decision to leave the NFL, mentioning that he had the option to stay with the Commanders but chose to make a change. He emphasized that contrary to rumors, he was not fired from his NFL position but rather decided it was time to move on for personal development.

It remains uncertain whether Bieniemy was presented with the opportunity to take on the role of offensive coordinator under Dan Quinn‘s leadership or a different position within the NFL.

Returning to UCLA marks a homecoming of sorts for Bieniemy, who previously served as an assistant coach at the college from 2003 to 2005. His extensive coaching career includes stints with the Vikings, Colorado, Chiefs, and Washington, where he garnered valuable experience in various coaching roles.

Despite being a sought-after head coaching candidate in the NFL landscape, Bieniemy has yet to secure a head coaching position. He expressed in the email that while he has engaged in numerous discussions and interviews with NFL teams, the final decisions did not align with his expectations, attributing the outcomes to factors beyond his control.

Looking ahead, Bieniemy faces the task of sustaining his relevance in the realm of potential NFL coaching opportunities, should he decide to pursue them in the future.

Notably, Bieniemy’s impact on players, especially in Kansas City, where he coached the Chiefs, remains palpable. His surprise visit to the team before the AFC Championship game left star quarterback Patrick Mahomes visibly moved, showcasing the deep respect and admiration players have for him. This unique ability to connect with and inspire top football talent underscores Bieniemy’s value as a coach.

As he embarks on this new chapter at UCLA, it will be intriguing to witness how Bieniemy leverages his coaching expertise and player rapport to elevate the UCLA football program.