Eric Bieniemy 'can't say why' NFL HC opportunities have eluded him

Shockingly, news broke on Saturday that former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was leaving the NFL to return to college. He agreed to be the associate head coach and OC at UCLA. 

Shortly after the announcement, Bieniemy, via an e-mail obtained by ESPN, commented on the move and why pro-level head coaching jobs have eluded him the past few seasons. 

"I have had countless conversations and interviews with many teams, and I have been applauded and lauded," Bieniemy wrote. "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 became a hot head coaching prospect while holding the OC position with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he also won two Super Bowls. Over five seasons with the team, Bieniemy's offenses ranked no lower than sixth in points and 11th in yards. This success led to interviews with the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets, among others. However, each time, teams decided to go in different directions, much to the confusion of the NFL world. 

Last season, Bieniemy broke away from Kansas City, moving on to Washington, perhaps to distance himself from the dynasty and carve his own path. Though, with little to work with on the Commanders, the offense struggled, finishing 32nd in the NFL in points and 31st in yards. 

Now, he's taken another lateral move, but not for a head coaching gig.

Bieniemy said the decision to join UCLA was all about timing, insisting that the opportunity to return to the program where he once served as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator was too good to pass up. However, it's hard to believe that, in 2024, he envisioned being an assistant to a first-year coach in the college ranks.