UCLA Parts Ways with Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy After Just One Season
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, UCLA has decided to part ways with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after just one season, a source confirmed to ESPN on Thursday. The decision comes after a disappointing season for the Bruins, who struggled mightily on offense and failed to meet expectations under Bieniemy’s leadership.
Offensive Struggles Lead to Bieniemy’s Exit
The numbers don’t lie, and unfortunately for Bieniemy, they paint a grim picture. UCLA ranked a dismal 126th nationally in scoring, averaging just 18.4 points per game. To make matters worse, the Bruins failed to score more than 20 points in any of their final four games. For a program with aspirations of competing at the highest level, these offensive woes were simply unacceptable.
Bieniemy’s arrival at UCLA was met with high hopes. After all, he brought an impressive résumé, having previously called plays for the NFL’s Washington Commanders and serving as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he helped guide the team to two Super Bowl appearances. However, his success in the NFL didn’t translate to the college game, and the Bruins’ offense never found its rhythm under his guidance.
Financial Implications and Recruiting Fallout
Bieniemy’s departure won’t come cheap. According to a source who spoke with ESPN’s Pete Thamel, his buyout is worth more than $1.2 million. While that’s a hefty price to pay, it’s clear that UCLA felt a change was necessary to get the program back on track.
The impact of Bieniemy’s struggles wasn’t limited to the field. It also had significant repercussions on the recruiting trail. Four-star quarterback recruit Madden Iamaleava, who had initially committed to UCLA, flipped to Arkansas on national signing day. According to ESPN’s Eli Lederman, uncertainty surrounding the Bruins’ offensive coordinator position played a key role in Iamaleava’s decision. Losing a top-tier recruit like Iamaleava is a tough blow for UCLA, and it underscores the importance of stability and success in the coaching staff.
What’s Next for UCLA?
With Bieniemy out, the Bruins are already looking ahead to find his replacement. According to sources who spoke with Thamel, Indiana quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri has emerged as the leading candidate for the job. Sunseri’s name may not carry the same weight as Bieniemy’s, but UCLA will be hoping that a fresh approach can breathe new life into their struggling offense.
For head coach DeShaun Foster, the pressure is mounting. The Bruins finished the season with a 5-7 record, falling short of bowl eligibility. While the defense showed promise at times, the offense’s inability to put points on the board ultimately doomed the team. Foster will need to make the right hire at offensive coordinator if he hopes to turn things around and get UCLA back to competing for Pac-12 titles.
Key Takeaways
- UCLA has fired offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after one season.
- The Bruins ranked 126th nationally in scoring, averaging just 18.4 points per game.
- Bieniemy’s buyout is worth more than $1.2 million.
- Four-star quarterback recruit Madden Iamaleava flipped to Arkansas, citing uncertainty with UCLA’s offensive coordinator position.
- Indiana quarterbacks coach Tino Sunseri is the leading candidate to replace Bieniemy.
Bieniemy’s firing was first reported by Yahoo Sports, but the ripple effects of this decision will be felt for some time. UCLA fans will be watching closely to see who the Bruins bring in to replace him and whether the new hire can help the team turn the corner. For now, the focus shifts to the offseason and the critical decisions that lie ahead for the program.
Originally Written by: Unknown
