Colorado alum Eric Bieniemy hired to DeShaun Foster's staff at UCLA
Eric Bieniemy has found his new home. The Colorado Buffaloes alum who recently walked away from the Washington Commanders will be taking over as associate head coach and offensive coordinator for UCLA, per reports on Saturday night.
It was a one-and-done season for Bieniemy in DC that ended with Dan Quinn taking over for Ron Rivera as head coach. He left Kansas City after winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs. The Commanders ended with a 4-13 record last year, but lacked personnel on both sides of the ball and Bieniemy tried to make the best of a bad situation. Many speculated if Deion Sanders would bring him back to Boulder at some capacity after he decided not to stay.
Bieniemy takes on his second stint with the Bruins. He was in Westwood two decades ago as recruiting coordinator and running backs coach. An outstanding hire for DeShaun Foster, who took over for Chip Kelly two weeks ago.
The duo will bring a pro-style approach for UCLA's first year in the Big Ten. While many view this as a step back for Bieniemy it actually might lead him towards being a head coach. He has reportedly interviewed for multiple NFL head coaching jobs over the past three cycles without landing an offer. However, despite media speculation, it's not because of any falling out in Kansas City.
Bieniemy was brought back to talk to the Chiefs before this year's AFC Championship game, which had Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes hyped.
“Just having him back in the building was really cool, listening to him talk, his energy,” Mahomes told reporters earlier this month. “I think guys had a little bit of chill bumps, like, ‘Hey, EB’s back here.’ Obviously, he didn’t get that head coaching opportunity, but I’m excited for him to continue to coach football and to continue to make his impact on the game."