Eric Bieniemy coming back to NFL to join 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 ᴀssociate head coach and offensive coordinator.

He was dismissed from the job in December after the Bruins’ offense struggled during a 5-7 season.

Washington Commanders ᴀssistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy approaches the field at the start of NFL football practice at the team's training facility, Friday, July 28, 2023, in Ashburn, Va. — Eric Bieniemy approaches the field at the start of NFL football practice at the Commders’ training facility on July 28, 2023, in Ashburn, Va. AP

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.

Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy talks with head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium on January 21, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. Getty Images

Johnson has also hired Declan Doyle, the former Broncos тιԍнт 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 ᴅᴇᴀᴅ 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.