The UCLA Bruins are finalizing a deal to make Eric Bieniemy their next offensive coordinator. The deal is rumored to be a two-year deal for the former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator. Bieniemy was an assistant for the Bruins from 2003-05. While he had opportunities to stay in the NFL, Bieniemy opted to head back to Southern California.
“Southern California, I attended high school there. I started my career in the league there. It’s obviously great to be bcack with the Bruins, where I was previously employed.” Bieniemy wrote in an e-mail Saturday.
New UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster wanted to make a splash as the Bruins head into the Big Ten. The Bruins struggled this past season in the passing game, and Foster is turning to Bieniemy to get those issues corrected. He helped develop Sam Howell in Washington, who led the league in passing yards through the first 12 weeks of the NFL season.
Bieniemy has always been a solid football coach, but his claim to fame came with his stint with the Kansas City Chiefs. They won two Super Bowls in the five years where Bieniemy was the offensive coordinator. He also helped Pat Mahomes win two MVP awards. His offense also led the NFL in scoring and total offense. He has interviewed for multiple head coaching vacancies in the NFL through the years, but nothing ever came of it. He was considered a favorite to get the head coaching job with the Commanders, but once again, the front office decided to go in a different direction.
It’s been 19 years since Bieniemy has had football involvement in the Southern California area. But its safe to say that UCLA just hit the jackpot here. The Bruins have struggled in recent years. They’ve had issues staying relevant in college football. Now, they’re heading to the Big Ten where the competition will be even more tough. However, the Bruins have been able to draw in top recruits in spite of their lack of success. They’ve just had problems developing the talent. That should change now that they have a top tier coach like Eric Bieniemy running their offense.