Bieniemy out as UCLA OC, hopes to return to NFL
UCLA is parting ways with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after just one season.
Bieniemy joined the Bruins on a two-year contract in February, but the team struggled offensively in 2024, averaging only 18.4 points per game.
However, Bieniemy's agent, Jason Fletcher, released a statement Thursday saying it was a mutual decision between the Bruins and Bieniemy, who plans to return to the NFL in 2025.
"Eric and UCLA mutually parted ways today as previously planned," Fletcher said, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. "He's still getting paid by the (Washington) Commanders. After interviewing for head coaching jobs last year, he wanted to stay active and busy. So, he decided to go help out DeShaun Foster, who is like his little brother, at UCLA as opposed to sitting out a year.
"The plan was always to return to the NFL in 2025, and he's looking forward to the opportunities ahead."
If UCLA fired Bieniemy, his buyout would be worth more than $1.2 million, according to ESPN's Adam Rittenberg and Jake Trotter.
Bieniemy spent several years in the NFL before joining UCLA, most notably as the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator from 2018-22. The 55-year-old - who was part of two Super Bowl runs with the Chiefs - left K.C. to become the Commanders' OC and play-caller in 2023, but his stint with the team also lasted just one year.
He's had several head coaching interviews in the NFL but hasn't been able to land a main job yet.
UCLA is targeting Indiana co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri as Bieniemy's replacement in 2025, sources told CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz.
The Bruins failed to reach bowl eligibility this season after going 5-7.