Eric Bieniemy joining the Bears’ coaching staff
Eric Bieniemy is headed to the Windy City.
The Bears hired Bieneimy as their running backs coach, bringing the former NFL offensive coordinator back to the league, according to multiple reports.
Bieniemy jumped to the college level in 2024, serving as UCLA’s associate head coach and offensive coordinator.
He was dismissed from the job in December after the Bruins’ offense struggled during a 5-7 season.
Before his stint in Southern California, Bieniemy served under Andy Reid with the Chiefs for 10 seasons, including as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2018-22, winning two Super Bowls during that stretch.
During his time in Kansas City, the Chiefs’ offense flourished behind stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
He didn’t have as much luck in his next NFL stop.
In 2023, Bieniemy left Kansas City for Washington, D.C., serving as the Commanders’ OC for one season before the team made changes after a 4-13 campaign.
He joins a revamped staff in Chicago, led by new head coach Ben Johnson, who left his position as the Lions’ offensive coordinator after three seasons.
Johnson has also hired Declan Doyle, the former Broncos tight ends coach, to be Chicago’s next offensive coordinator and Dennis Allen, the ex-Saints head coach, to be the defensive coordinator.
The Bears will be looking for offensive improvement in quarterback Caleb Williams’ second year in the NFL.
Chicago ranked dead last in the league in yards per game (284.6).
In terms of their run game, the Bears’ 102 rushing yards per game ranked eighth worst in the NFL.
Williams ranked 28th out of 32 quarterbacks in QBR.
After a 4-8 start to the season, the Bears fired head coach Matt Eberflus in late November.
The team ended up finishing last in the NFC North at 5-12.
