Eric Bieniemy, a former offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, has clarified that his move to UCLA was a matter of choice, refuting reports that suggested the Commanders fired him.
ESPN"s Pete Thamel and Adam Schefter initially reported Bieniemy"s two-year deal with UCLA, where he will serve as the associate head coach and offensive coordinator.
“I have no regrets with the Commanders," Bieniemy stated. “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."
Eric Bieniemy says he wasn't fired he decided to leave the #Commanders, per @ESPN:
"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… https://t.co/Eqtc7OzBqp pic.twitter.com/Dneao7mmAV
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 25, 2024
The Southern California native, who spent the 2023 season with the Commanders, expressed his excitement about returning to UCLA, where he served as an assistant coach from 2003 to 2005.
“I"m excited to be here and to coach these young men and football again," Bieniemy said. “My expectations and desire to be excellent will never be turned down. I"m fired up. Let"s go."
Addressing the speculation around his departure, Bieniemy mentioned that he had explored other opportunities in the NFL and had been in discussions with multiple teams.
“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," Bieniemy explained. “It is not always about money, either. With everything in life, it is often all about timing."
Bieniemy"s stint with the Commanders was brief, with the team finishing last in the NFC East at 4-13. The offense struggled, ranking 24th in yards per game and 25th in points per game.
This starkly contrasted his successful tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2018 to 2022, where the team secured two Lombardi Trophies and consistently reached the playoffs.
