Eric Bieniemy, whose name has been connected to so many NFL head coach interviews in recent years that I’ve lost count, is reportedly set to join Ben Johnson’s coaching staff with the Chicago Bears.
CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones has the scoop:
An NFL return: Eric Bieniemy has agreed to terms with the Chicago Bears to be their running backs coach, source tells CBS Sports. A 2-time Super Bowl champ with the Chiefs, Bieniemy gives Ben Johnson's offensive staff a veteran, championship presence.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9.bsky.social) February 1, 2025 at 4:20 PM
After spending the 2024 season wearing the offensive coordinator and assistant head coach title at UCLA, Eric Bieniemy is returning to the NFL — and he’ll be coaching Chicago Bears running backs. Well, that is a surprise hire that I did not see coming. Let’s dig into it more below.
Eric Bieniemy to join Chicago Bears coaching staff
For what it’s worth, the Bears reportedly had an interest in Bieniemy in 2023. And while nothing ever came of that rumor, here we are in 2025 with Eric Bieniemy set to join forces with a new head coach. I wonder if Bears GM Ryan Poles, who crossed paths with Bieniemy while in Kansas City, had any pull or insight here.
Let’s pause to take a brief look at Eric Bieniemy’s recent coaching history:
- UCLA: Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator (2024)
- WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: Assistant head coach and offensive coordinator (2023)
- KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Running backs coach (2013-17), Offensive coordinator (2018-22)
- COLORADO: Offensive coordinator (2011-12)
- MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Running backs coach (2006-10), Assistant head coach (2010)
Most NFL fans are familiar with Bieniemy because of his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bienemy began his run in Kansas City in 2013 coaching running backs. In that role, he had his hands in working with Jamaal Charles and Kareem Hunt (among others). Bieniemy was elevated to the offensive coordinator role with the Chiefs in 2018 after Matt Nagy left to become the Bears head coach. From 2018-22, we saw K.C. quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the peak of his powers. And yet, that never materialized in a head coaching gig for Bieniemy. Good luck figuring that out.
We’ll dissect more of Eric Bieniemy’s résumé and what his impact could be in Chicago later. But for now, just know that I am highly intrigued by the newest addition to the Bears’ offensive coaching staff — which also now apparently includes the retention (h/t Brad Biggs) of tight ends coach Jim Dray.