New Chapter in Chicago
Eric Bieniemy is set to make his return to the NFL after a brief stint in college football. Reports from CBS Sports indicate that Bieniemy has accepted the position of running backs coach for the Chicago Bears. This move comes as the Bears’ newly appointed head coach, Ben Johnson, continues to assemble his coaching staff.
A Year at UCLA
Last season, Bieniemy served as the offensive coordinator at UCLA, where he played a pivotal role during the football program’s inaugural year in the Big Ten Conference. His experience in a challenging collegiate environment has likely polished his skills, preparing him for his return to the professional league.
Experience on the Field and the Sidelines
Before embarking on his coaching career, Bieniemy was a standout running back at the University of Colorado, where he gained recognition for his athletic prowess. He was selected in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of an impressive journey through professional football.
His coaching resume is equally impressive. Bieniemy began his coaching career as the running backs coach at Colorado from 2001 to 2002. He then took on a similar role at UCLA in 2003-2004, before transitioning to the NFL as the Minnesota Vikings’ running backs coach in 2006. Bieniemy returned to Colorado in 2011 as the offensive coordinator, but it was his time with the Kansas City Chiefs that truly elevated his profile in the football community.
Success with the Kansas City Chiefs
During his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, Bieniemy was part of two Super Bowl-winning coaching staffs. His offensive strategies and player development significantly contributed to the team’s success. However, after the 2022 season, he sought new opportunities and joined the Washington Commanders as their assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 2023, where he was finally able to call plays.
Bringing Championship Experience to the Bears
Now, Bieniemy is poised to infuse his wealth of championship experience into the Chicago Bears’ coaching staff. Alongside him, the Bears have also hired Declan Doyle, formerly a tight ends coach with the Denver Broncos, as their offensive coordinator. Antwaan Randle El, who previously worked with Johnson in Detroit, will take on the role of assistant head coach.
Looking Ahead
As Bieniemy prepares to embark on this new journey with the Bears, fans and players alike are eager to see how his expertise will influence the team’s performance. Meanwhile, his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs, is gearing up to face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on February 9.
Stay tuned for more updates on Bieniemy’s coaching journey and the upcoming Super Bowl event.