It’s been over a decade since Eric Bieniemy last coached in college football and in that time he’s established himself as one of the best assistants in the league. So why – after really only one down year – is he joining the UCLA Bruins?
In an email shared on Saturday by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator and two-time Super Bowl champion said that he had offers to remain an assistant in the NFL – even joining one unnamed team as their assistant head coach. But while he wouldn’t say why he chose to leave the NFL, he said that he wants to help support UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster thrive in his new role.
“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.
“My self-dignity, worth, integrity, personhood, manhood will never be questions or compromised. 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 in 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.”
“This is a great opportunity for me to help support DeShaun as a head coach, to work with him and to work for him as well. My goal is to help him to be a successful head coach in our profession.
“It’s an opportunity for my family and I to return back to a place that we once called home.”
Bieniemy said that his goal is now to “generate some excitement for potential student athletes” at UCLA ahead of their move to the Big Ten Conference.
“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,” he wrote.
Bieniemy also addressed his tenure with the Commanders, making it clear that he wanted to leave and was not fired.
“I have no regrets with the Commanders. 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.
“I will continue my walk in my peace. I’m excited to be here and to coach these young men and football again. My expectations and desire to be excellent will never be turned down. I’m fired up. Let’s go.”
Have we seen the last of Eric Bieniemy on an NFL sideline?