Commanders Ex Eric Bieniemy Reveals Truth Behind Departure to UCLA

Former Commanders coach Eric Bieniemy revealed why he'll be a part of UCLA's coaching staff rather than in the NFL next season.

Former Washington Commanders assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has joined the collegiate ranks as an offensive coordinator and associate head coach at UCLA, but he's made it clear that the move was his choice. 

Bieniemy came to the Commanders last season after spending five seasons as the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator and took on playcalling duties in Washington, but he's now provided some context to his departure.

Washington Commanders assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy walks down the sidelines during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at FedExField / Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

After 16 seasons coaching in the NFL, Bieniemy emailed ESPN and said that he chose to coach at UCLA for the next two years and attended high school in Southern California; the opportunity is also the first time he'll coach at the college since 2003-2005.

“I have no regrets with the Commanders,” Bieniemy wrote to ESPN. “Contrary to what some think and what has been put out in the media, I was not fired. I actually just chose not to stay. Learned a lot and that is always a good thing.”

Bieniemy will return to the college ranks for the first time since being Colorado's offensive coordinator in 2011-2012, and he plans to help new Bruins coach DeShaun Foster develop a winning culture. 

Despite not landing a head coaching job in the NFL, Bieniemy is proud of what he accomplished in the pros.

"I have had countless conversations and interviews with many teams, and I have been applauded and lauded," Bieniemy wrote. "I can't say why certain decisions were or were not made but it had nothing to [do] with a lack of anything on my end.

"It is not always about money, either. With everything in life, it is often all about timing. At this time in my life, the opportunity affords me the pleasure of continuing to be a maker and leader of men, to do what I love, follow my passion and my dreams while not compromising on who I am as a man."

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Now, his focus is on influencing the next generation of young athletes at UCLA. "My goal is to help generate some excitement for potential student-athletes to consider attending UCLA as we collectively prepare for the move to the Big Ten Conference in recruiting," Bieniemy said.

Rather than rebuilding in Washington, Bieniemy is "fired up" to coach in college, and now both he and the Commanders will attempt to implement winning systems in 2024.