Chicago Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy sends a warning shot to D'Andre Swift ahead of NFL Draft

Bears running back coach Eric Bieniemy sent a strong message to running back D'Andre Swift, creating more speculation that Chicago could select a RB in Round 1.

Jul 28, 2023; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy smiles while walking to the fields prior to day three of Commanders training camp at OrthoVirginia Training Center. / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

New Chicago Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy has a reputation of being tough on his players to get the most out of them.

Now, before he's even had a chance to work with the Bears' backfield, he's already sending a message to the team's incumbent starter.

Bieniemy was a guest on the Chicago Bears' team podcast "Bears, etc." with Jeff Joniak and Tom Thayer, where he called out D'Andre Swift to raise the bar in 2025.

Had a great and fun conversation with @ChicagoBears RB coach Eric Bieniemy. Check out Episode 137 of the Bears ETC podcast. https://t.co/c4wfAR4Dfx pic.twitter.com/0VdRyb4opF

— Jeff Joniak (@JeffJoniak) March 26, 2025

"Now, more than anything, we've got to make sure that he understands that he can find four and a half [yards] between the tackles but also hit the home run when he needs to.";

- Eric Bieniemy, on "Bears, etc." podcast

That sounds like a pretty clear message to Swift that he wants to see more from the starting running back this season.

Swift averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry in his first season in Chicago, and he had only four runs gain more than 20 yards.

Biemiemy knows that the improvements Ryan Poles made to the Bears offensive line mean no excuses for his running backs not to be successful.

The pressure is on Swift, especially with the threat of a first-round pick like Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty looming.

Bieniemy has been out out on the road scouting other top running back prospects, too.

Listening to the Bears podcast with Eric Bieniemy & it sounds like he’s a big fan of RB Ian Wheeler.

“He showed flashes. So we want to see exactly what all we can continue to develop with him and see how we grow.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/sGwBOvjL2x

— Bearsszn (@bearssznn) March 26, 2025

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