The Chicago Bears have made a significant addition to their coaching staff by hiring veteran NFL coach Eric Bieniemy as their new running backs coach. The announcement, first reported by CBS Sports, comes as the Bears look to enhance their offensive strategy under the leadership of head coach Ben Johnson. Bieniemy's extensive background in coaching, including two Super Bowl victories with the Kansas City Chiefs, positions him as a key asset for the Bears' development.
Bieniemy, who is 55 years old, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His most recent position was with the Washington Commanders, where he served as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 2023. Prior to that, he spent a decade with the Kansas City Chiefs from 2013 to 2022, during which he played an instrumental role in the team's success, contributing to their Super Bowl wins.
The connection between Bieniemy and the Bears runs deep. He overlapped with Bears general manager Ryan Poles while both were in Kansas City, fostering a professional relationship that undoubtedly influenced the decision to bring him aboard. Additionally, Bears president and CEO Kevin Warren was on staff with Bieniemy at the Minnesota Vikings from 2006 to 2010, where Bieniemy served as the running backs coach.
Before his tenure with the Chiefs, Bieniemy also had coaching stints at the University of Colorado from 2001-02 and again from 2011-12. Most recently, he was at UCLA for the 2024 season as their assistant head coach and offensive coordinator. This diverse coaching experience across various levels of football equips him with a unique perspective that he will now apply to the Bears' running game.
In parallel with Bieniemy's hiring, the Bears also appointed Dennis Allen as their defensive coordinator. This move underscores the organization's commitment to strengthening both sides of the ball as they prepare for the upcoming season. Bieniemy becomes the second former coordinator added to Johnson’s staff, highlighting a strategic focus on bringing seasoned leadership to Chicago.
With Bieniemy's proven track record and familiarity with key figures in the Bears' front office, expectations are high for his impact on the team's running backs. As he steps into this new role, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how his expertise translates into improved performance on the field.
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