The UCLA Bruins have found their new offensive coordinator.
Two-time Super Bowl champion and former NFL running back Eric Bieniemy took the UCLA coordinator job, leaving behind the Washington Commanders. During his second stint in Westwood, Bieniemy served as the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator for the Bruins from 2003 to 2005.
With a long and successful start to his coaching career, Bieniemy is a solid addition to help the Bruins as they begin their tenure in the BIG 10. Having coached some of the best players in the NFL, hopefully, his teaching can rub off on his players and turn the program around.
Here are the 10 best players Bieniemy coached while in the NFL as an offensive coordinator or running backs coach.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (2018-2022)
Feb 12, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes poses with the MVP trophy at the Super Bowl LVIII Winning Head Coach and Most Valuable Player Press Conference at the Super Bowl 58 media center at the Mandalay Bay North Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Though no quarterback on the Bruins’ roster comes anywhere close to the player Mahomes is, having coached the best player on the planet, Bieniemy’s coaching should rub off on all his players in the quarterback room.
Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs (2018-2021)
Feb 7, 2020; Tampa, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs the ball against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (23) during the third quarter of Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The most dynamic pass-catcher in the NFL, Bieniemy used Hill’s speed and shiftiness for big plays all the time. Perhaps he can do the same for some speedy Bruins wideouts as well.
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (2018-2022)
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) looks to pass the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Bieniemy used Kelce’s size to the offense’s advantage, creating mismatches in coverage all over the field. He should be able to get similar mismatches for his tight ends on the field for the Bruins to create big plays.
Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs (2013-2016)
Jul 26, 2014; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs after a catch during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Charles was an all-purpose yard monster in Kansas City while Bieniemy was the running backs coach. With an emphasis on running the ball in 2023, Bieniemy could take the UCLA running game to new heights.
Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs (2017-2018)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (27) makes a carry up the middle in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 7 game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. The Bengals lost 45-10, falling to 4-3 on the season.
Cincinnati Bengals At Kansas City Chiefs
Similar to Charles, the former running back Bieniemy managed to get Hunt involved in both the running game and passing game constantly. Paired with another former running back, head coach DeShaun Foster, look for Bieniemy and Co. to incorporate his running backs in a big way in 2024.
Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs (2021-2022)
Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) and guard Joe Thuney (62) at the line of scrimmage against the Miami Dolphins in a 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Only coaching Humphrey for two seasons, Bieniemy helped the second-round center become one of the best at his position in the league and a two-time Pro Bowler.
Sam Howell, Washington Commanders (2023)
Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) drops back to pass as Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (96) and defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa (97) rush during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Though Howell is not the most talented player on this list, Bieniemy’s offense helped Howell throw for just shy of 4,000 yards with a shaky offensive line.
Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders (2023)
Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) carries the ball as San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (99) defends during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Another running back under Bieniemy’s tutelage, Robinson racked up over 1,000 all-purpose yards and nine total touchdowns in 2023.
Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders (2023)
Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
On 79 catches for 1,002 yards, McLaurin was a bright spot in the struggling Commanders’ season. Despite the offensive coordinator change, Bieniemy’s offense managed to help McLaurin record his fourth-straight 1,000-yard season.
Curtis Samuel, Washington Commanders (2023)
Dec 17, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel (4) catches a touchdown pass in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Averaging 9.9 yards per catch and over 600 yards, Samuel was a solid secondary option at the receiver position for the Commanders under Bieniemy. Showing that his offense can spread the wealth, Bieniemy could create a varied offense with the same model for the Bruins.
