Eric Bieniemy's jump to the college ranks didn't exactly go as planned. After one season as UCLA's offensive coordinator, he's out, according to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports. The Bruins averaged just 18.4 points per game in their inaugural Big Ten campaign—hardly the fireworks Bieniemy is known for.
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It's a surprising twist for a coach who, not long ago, seemed destined for NFL head-coaching opportunities. Bieniemy spent five seasons (2018-22) as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, helping craft one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history alongside Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.
But then came the detour. Bieniemy moved to Washington in 2023 to run the Commanders' offense, hoping play-calling responsibilities would bolster his head-coaching résumé. Instead, Washington stumbled to a 4-13 record, Rivera's staff got the boot, and Bieniemy's next stop was UCLA. Now, that chapter is closed, too.
Here's where things get interesting. The Chiefs haven't been quite the same offensively since Bieniemy left. Sure, Reid still calls the plays, but Mahomes and company have looked mortal at times. Kansas City's offense lacks its usual punch, and questions are swirling about how much Bieniemy's absence plays into that.
Could a reunion be in the cards? It's not out of the realm of possibility. Bieniemy's familiarity with Reid's system and Mahomes' skill set would make the transition seamless. And with his stock a bit lower than it was a year ago, a return to KC might make sense for both sides.
For now, Bieniemy's next move remains unclear. But if the Chiefs make the call, don't be surprised if one of the NFL's most dynamic offensive partnerships gets the band back together. Sometimes, going home is the best way forward.
