Pete Thamel
Adam Schefter
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Adam Schefter
ESPN Senior Writer
- ESPN NFL Insiders
- Joined ESPN in 2009
- Former president of the Pro Football Writers of America and author of four books
February 24, 2024, 7:17 p.m. ET
Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is finalizing a two-year deal to join UCLA's staff as the Bruins' assistant head coach/offensive coordinator, sources told ESPN on Saturday evening.
The move represents a significant signing for new UCLA coach DeShaun Foster, who is looking to build an NFL identity with the Bruins. It also marks a homecoming for Bieniemy, who grew up in the area and was an assistant for the Bruins from 2003-05.
“Southern California,” Bieniemy wrote in an email Saturday. “I attended high school there. This is where I started my career in the league.” [with the Chargers]. Of course it's great to be back at the Bruins, where I was previously employed.
Bieniemy had options to stay in the NFL. He applied for the Commanders' head coaching job and two other offensive coordinator positions. Bieniemy said an NFL team offered him the assistant head coach/running backs job. But ultimately he took his time and found his way back to school.
“I have had countless conversations and interviews with many teams and have been applauded and praised,” Bieniemy wrote. “I can’t say why certain decisions were made or not, but it had nothing to do with it.” [do] with a lack of anything on my part.
“My self-dignity, my worth, my integrity, my personality and my masculinity will never be questioned or threatened. It's not always about money either. With everything in life, it's often just a matter of timing. At this point in my life, the opportunity has come.” gives me the pleasure of continuing to be a creator and leader of men, doing what I love, following my passion and dreams without compromising who I am as a person who I am.”
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It will be Bieniemy's first college job since serving as Colorado's offensive coordinator from 2011-12. Foster made it a point to hire a coach with Bieniemy's experience — and Bieniemy was just as enthusiastic about trying to help UCLA's new head coach.
For Foster, entering his first season as head coach, attitude is key. Foster has no experience as a coordinator. By bringing in someone with Bieniemy's extensive experience, he has begun to set the vision for what UCLA will look like on that side of the ball. Former head coach Chip Kelly served as UCLA's offensive playcaller in recent seasons.
“This is a great opportunity for me to support, work with and work for DeShaun as head coach,” Bieniemy wrote. “My goal is to make him a successful head coach in our profession.
“It’s an opportunity for my family and I to return to a place we once called home.”
Bieniemy brings 16 years of NFL experience to the Bruins. Bieniemy spent the 2023 season as the Commanders' offensive coordinator and won two Super Bowls as the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive coordinator, a role he held from 2018 to 2022.
As a coach who has made five straight conference championship games during that span, including three Super Bowl appearances, Bieniemy believes he brings a lot to the Bruins that can impact the recruiting trail.
“My goal is to help generate excitement among potential student-athletes about attending UCLA as we collectively prepare for the transition to the Big Ten Conference in recruiting,” he wrote.
There have been other coaches who went from the NFL back to college and had success. Bieniemy pointed out that they were Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh, Bill O'Brien and Kliff Kingsbury. Now he's doing the same thing, leaving the NFL and going back to school with the goal of conquering his new world.
“I have no remorse to the commanders,” Bieniemy wrote. “Contrary to what some people think and what the media says, I was not fired. I actually just decided not to stay. I learned a lot and that’s always good.”
“I will continue my journey in peace. I'm excited to be here and coaching these young men and football again. My expectations and desire to be excellent are never rejected. I'm excited. Here we go.”