By Mark Pszonak
Early December is a scary time for college football coaches. Everyone knows that firings happen, which is expected, but it gets much more interesting when it comes as a surprise. This morning one Big Ten program decided to part ways with their offensive coordinator, and it left many people confused.
UCLA didn’t have a great season in 2024. They did show some life during the second half after starting 1-5 to finish 5-7, but overall, there weren’t a great deal of positives during head coach Deshaun Foster’s first season in Los Angeles. However, no major coaching changes were expected during the off-season. That changed this morning:
UCLA is making a change at offensive coordinator. Eric Bieniemy is out, sources tell @YahooSports. Bruins finished 117th in total offense this season.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) December 5, 2024
Eric Bieniemy has had quite a roller coaster ride of a coaching career recently. From being at the top of the mountain as offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs, to today being fired by the 5-7 Bruins after one season. It hasn’t been boring for the one-time Colorado Buffaloes running back.
Things got even more interesting (and confusing) soon after news of the firing broke when Tom Pelissero, who works for the NFL Network, posted this comment from Bieniemy’s agent, Jason Fletcher:
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Statement from Eric Bieniemy’s agent, Jason Fletcher:
“Eric and UCLA mutually parted ways today as previously planned. He’s still getting paid by the Commanders. After interviewing for head coaching jobs last year, he wanted to stay active and busy. So, he decided to go help… pic.twitter.com/i7CFizB0yh
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 5, 2024
The full truth is likely somewhere in the middle, but it is very difficult to believe his agent’s full story. Especially since UCLA already seems prepared to hire Bieniemy’s replacement, current Indiana co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri. Could this have been the plan for Bieniemy from the start? Possible, but highly unlikely.
So, now it is likely that Bieniemy’s roller coaster will take him back to the NFL, in some capacity, while UCLA will hand their offense over to Sunseri. Nothing is boring with college football coaching changes in December.
