Eric Bieniemy – NFL Coach & Former Running Back

Introduction: The Rise of Bieniemy

Eric Bieniemy’s journey through the world of football is nothing short of remarkable. From blazing through college records as a running back to coaching elite NFL offenses, Bieniemy has cemented himself as a name synonymous with excellence, development, and resilience. This article delves deep into his life, tracing his trajectory from New Orleans roots to his latest role with the Chicago Bears, offering insights into his playing days, coaching philosophy, and lasting impact on the sport.

Early Life and College Stardom

Born on 15 August 1969 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Eric Bieniemy grew up with football in his blood. In 1979, his family relocated to Hollywood, California, and later settled in West Covina. At Bishop Amat Memorial High School, Bieniemy earned acclaim in both football and track—rushing for 2,002 yards and 30 touchdowns in his senior year, earning second-team All-America honors in 1986.

Choosing the University of Colorado Boulder over USC marked the beginning of his collegiate legend. From 1987 to 1990, Bieniemy shattered records: he became Colorado’s all-time leader in rushing yards (3,940), rushing touchdowns (42), and all-purpose yards (4,351). 

His 1990 season was spectacular—rushing for 1,628 yards with 17 touchdowns, culminating in a unanimous All-American selection, Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year honors, and a third-place finish in Heisman Trophy voting during Colorado’s national championship run.

NFL Playing Career: Special Teams Ace to Veteran Leader

In the 1991 NFL Draft, Bieniemy was selected in the second round (38th overall) by the San Diego Chargers. While not a marquee starting running back, he made his mark as a versatile and reliable contributor, especially on special teams. Over nine seasons—from San Diego (1991–1994), to Cincinnati (1995–1998), and finally Philadelphia (1999)—he amassed 1,589 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, and nearly 1,223 receiving yards.

He even made a memorable play in Super Bowl XXIX with the Chargers, registering a 33-yard reception—the longest of the game for his team, according to. By 1999, Bieniemy retired with a résumé that emphasized versatility and longevity more than headline-grabbing stardom.

Transition to Coaching: Passion, Persistence, and Progress

Upon retiring, Bieniemy returned to Colorado to complete his sociology degree and ignited his coaching journey—first at Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver in 2000, then back at Colorado as running backs coach from 2001 to 2002, all while graduating with a solid 3.5 GPA.

From 2003 to 2005, he joined UCLA’s staff as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator. There, he helped develop Maurice Jones-Drew, who rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2004 and earned All-America honors as a kick returner.

Bieniemy’s NFL coaching debut came with the Minnesota Vikings (2006–2009) as running backs coach, later earning the title of assistant head coach in 2010. Under his guidance, Adrian Peterson dominated, leading the NFL in rushing in 2007 and 2008, and earning accolades such as the Bert Bell Award in 2008.

Returning to Colorado in 2011–2012 as offensive coordinator, Bieniemy continued to hone his offensive acumen before making a pivotal move in 2013.

Peak Years with the Kansas City Chiefs

Andy Reid brought Bieniemy to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013 as running backs coach. Over the next five years, he molded standout talents like Jamaal Charles and Kareem Hunt—Hunt even led the NFL in rushing yards as a rookie in 2017.

In 2018, he was elevated to offensive coordinator. His impact was immediate and profound: the Chiefs led the NFL in yards per game and points scored, with their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, joining a historic 5,000‑yard, 50‑touchdown club. The Chiefs posted the third‑most points in a single season in NFL history.

Bieniemy’s tenure yielded two Super Bowl championships—Super Bowl LIV (2019 season) and Super Bowl LVII (2022 season). In his final season with the Chiefs, the offense led the league in scoring (29.2 points per game), the team tied a franchise win record (14 wins), earned the AFC’s No. 1 seed, and delivered another Super Bowl win in LVII.

New Challenges: Washington and UCLA Comebacks

In February 2023, Bieniemy assumed the dual roles of assistant head coach and offensive coordinator with the Washington Commanders. However, the season was challenging—the team finished 4–13, and their offense ranked only 21st in average yards per game. Bieniemy was not retained under the new head coach.

He then accepted a return to college football, taking the associate head coach and offensive coordinator post at UCLA in 2024. After one season, in which UCLA finished with a 5–7 record and weak offensive rankings, Bieniemy was dismissed in December 2024.

2025 Return to the NFL: Chicago Bears

In February 2025, Bieniemy returned to the NFL as the running backs coach for the Chicago Bears under new head coach Ben Johnson. Despite appearing to step down from his previous coordinator posts, this move brings him back to his specialty—developing the running game—where he’s historically excelled.

The Bears’ offense, especially their young backfield featuring Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson, stands to benefit from Bieniemy’s world-class tutelage.

Coaching Philosophy and Legacy

Eric Bieniemy is known for instilling discipline, attention to detail, and championship-level preparation in his players. A message he shared during his time with the Commanders sums it up:

“It’s all about executing with great attention to detail… if you’re not willing to work, you’re not going to get there. If you are willing to work, strain and go the extra distance… you’re going to be known as a champion.”

Despite his massive coaching accomplishments—including two Super Bowl rings and developing MVPs like Mahomes—and being a prime candidate for head coaching roles, Bieniemy has still not secured a head coaching position. Many critics point to systemic racial bias in NFL hiring practices, citing how other white coordinators have been promoted ahead of him despite comparatively lesser success.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Bieniemy

From his storied playing days as a record-breaking running back at Colorado to his transformative role coaching elite NFL offenses, Bieniemy has demonstrated adaptability, expertise, and relentless drive. His current role with the Chicago Bears offers another chapter in a constantly evolving career arc—one defined by player development, strategic offensive schemes, and a steadfast pursuit of greatness.