Speaking to reporters at the NFL scouting combine, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid expressed extreme confidence in Eric Bieniemy’s ability to excel in his new role as offensive coordinator at UCLA.
“I’m a big believer in Eric being great wherever he goes,” Reid affirmed. “Whatever he does, he’s going to be good at.”
Chiefs HC Andy Reid gives his thoughts on Eric Bieniemy going to UCLA pic.twitter.com/OHpODArBIN
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) February 27, 2024
Reid and Bieniemy forged a strong coaching partnership over a decade with the Kansas City Chiefs, with Bieniemy serving as offensive coordinator for the last five seasons.
However, Bieniemy departed last year to assume the same position with the Washington Commanders.
His stint in Washington ended after just one season when the team parted ways with head coach Ron Rivera.
it was a mistake for Eric Bieniemy to leave the Chiefs@ShannonSharpe | @ochocinco pic.twitter.com/gh5DfWJhIo
— Nightcap (@NightcapShow_) February 26, 2024
Reflecting on Bieniemy’s impact during his tenure with the Commanders, Reid remarked: “He did that at Washington. He helped change a culture there that they’ll build on. He’s going to demand greatness out of you, and he’ll do the same thing at UCLA. He will do a great job. He’s in charge.”
(Reid may be being a little generous with those Washington compliments.)
Andy Reid on Eric Bieniemy: “Wherever he goes, and whatever he does, it’s going to be good. …He's gonna demand greatness.
“I thought he should have been a HC here (in the NFL). Maybe he has that opportunity there to do it (in college)…” #chiefs pic.twitter.com/JBMuxzVKhr
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) February 27, 2024
Reid emphasized Bieniemy’s familiarity with UCLA’s landscape, noting his previous experience with the program.
He also hinted at the possibility of Bieniemy eventually pursuing a head coaching role in college football.
Andy Reid on Eric Bieniemy: “Maybe he’ll be a head coach in college. I thought he should be a head coach here (in the NFL). Whatever he does, I’m a big believer in Eric.”
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) February 27, 2024
“He’s got an opportunity here to do his thing on offense and he knows the landscape. He’s been at UCLA before and maybe [he’ll be] a head coach at the college level [someday],” Reid said.
“I thought he should be a head coach [in the NFL]. But if it doesn’t happen, maybe he has that opportunity there to do it … I’m a big fan.”
Happy for Eric Bieniemy becoming the Offensive Coordinator and Associate Head Coach at @UCLAFootball as reported by @PeteThamel and @AdamSchefter , but how this man can’t get a Head Coaching job in the NFL or in College is UNBELIEVABLE. pic.twitter.com/2t5qravhdg
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 25, 2024
What are your thoughts on UCLA’s hire of Bieniemy?
How will the Bruins fare in the Big Ten? (That’s going to take some getting to, isn’t it?)
Do you think Bieniemy will eventually get a crack at being a head coach? … If so, would he be better off in college or the NFL???
Eric Bieniemy in the dorms on the first day of practice pic.twitter.com/jAVJmEVM0g
— Not Robert Griffin (@Pseudo_RGIII) February 25, 2024