Eric Bieniemy has already been one of American football coaching’s most powerful figures for more than a decade, mixing success in the NFL with a recent foray underneath the college football surface that had proved rocky. An offensive wiz and proven leader, Bieniemy’s below-the-radar trip was a new one.
From NFL Success to UCLA
In a shocking move early in 2024, Eric Bieniemy relocation his talents to the UCLA Bruins as the new associate head coach and offensive coordinator. This change came after a successful career in the NFL, . Where he was the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs. During their Super Bowl wins in 2020 and 2023, and for the Washington Commanders in 2023. With UCLA, Bieniemy vowed to revive the team’s offense and bring his play-calling talent of NFL caliber to the collegiate level.
Struggles at UCLA
High expectations, however, did not lead to success for Bieniemy at UCLA. For the 2024 season, the Bruins managed just 18.4 points per game, a paltry number that ranked 126th of 134 FBS programs. UCLA ended the disappointing season with a 5-7 record, which is far from bowl contention. The pattern repeated itself as Bieniemy brought excitement but no immediate success and he was quickly questioned about his fit in the college system.
Parting Ways with UCLA
On Dec. 5, 2024, UCLA announced eric Bieniemy was out as the team’s offensive coordinator. Early reports portrayed the departure as a firing, but Bieniemy’s agent said later that the split was mutual and premeditated to allow him to make his return to the NFL. It signaled the end of Bieniemy’s first — and only — season with a college football program . And a pivot back to the professional level, where he had thrived.
Legacy in the NFL
Eric Bieniemy’s stock as an NFL coach has remained high, largely because of his work with the Kansas City Chiefs. In conjunction with head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, . Bieniemy helped create one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history. His knack for designing creative plays and making in-game adjustments made him widely respected, and a staple of the Chiefs’ championship runs.
And even with his success, Bieniemy has been criticized for not securing an NFL head-coaching job. The reasons for this dearth of opportunities have led to speculation about bias in the hiring process . And discussions of diversity and representation in football leadership positions.
What Is Next: Return to NFL in Sight
With the end of Bieniemy’s stint at UCLA, he’s expected to make a return to the NFL. He is expected to remain a popular candidate for offensive coordinator jobs or even head coaching positions as coaching vacancies begin this offseason. Bieniemy’s success makes him an asset for teams seeking to transform their offenses.
What’s Next for eric Bieniemy?
With the 2025 NFL season on the horizon, Bieniemy’s name continues to come up among a number of teams seeking seasoned offensive minds. Remember, he took risks and got out of his comfort zone at UCLA, and it didn’t really work out.
But he did gain experience at UCLA and leverage those generals into the next experience. His next move will be critical, shaping how his legacy unfolds — and there’s no reason for a major shake-up not to take place —. As he remains crucial in the narrative of what coaching excellence looks like . And what representation in professional football should be.
Eric Bieniemy ‘s career is a story of perseverance, of ambition, of a singular determination to succeed. The next chapter in his storied career has legs as fans and analysts await its arrival.