UCLA Football: How New OC Eric Bieniemy Feels About Ethan Garbers So Far

Eva Geitheim | Apr 4, 2024

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA football offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is beginning to work with some of his key offensive players now that spring practices have begun. This includes quarterback Ethan Garbers, who was the Bruins' starter for a good chunk of the 2023 season.

With Dante Moore transferring to Oregon, Garbers is expected by many to be the Bruins' starting quarterback in 2024. Coach DeShaun Foster said Tuesday that Garbers has not officially won the starting job, but is currently taking the first team reps.

When asked about Garbers at Thursday's spring practice, Bieniemy was complimentary of the fourth-year quarterback and new quarterbacks coach Ted White. Bieniemy also shared his current plans and expectations for the offense.

"Ethan's doing a heck of a job," Bieniemy told reporters. "We got a lot of competition in that room. Coach Ted White is doing a heck of a job with those guys, teaching them the system. There's been some good, some bad, some ugly from all of them. It's still early, I'm not expecting us to come out and set the world on fire. What I want us to do is first and foremost learn how to put consistent behavior on tape. Once we learn how to put consistent behavior on tape, the rest of everything will take care of itself.

Coach Bieniemy, speaking to the media after Thursday's practice. 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/Og3THPQ4wZ

— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) April 4, 2024

Garbers comes into spring practice this year after throwing for 1,136 yards, 11 touchdowns and three interceptions while appearing in eight games for the Bruins in 2023. When he threw at least ten passes in a game a year ago, the Bruins were 5-1. If Garbers can succeed working under Bieniemy, look for both the quarterback and Bruins' offense to take steps forward.