Eric Bieniemy is reportedly returning to the NFL after one season in the collegiate ranks.

Per Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, the Chicago Bears are hiring Bieniemy to be their running backs coach under new head coach Ben Johnson. Bieniemy was the Washington Commanders offensive coordinator in 2023 and spent the 2024 season as UCLA's offensive coordinator.

Bieniemy retired from playing football in 1999 and cut his teeth in the coaching world at the collegiate level. He got his first NFL job in 2006 when he took over as the Minnesota Vikings running backs coach.

He was promoted to assistant head coach and running backs coach in 2010 but joined Colorado's staff in 2011 as the team's offensive coordinator. In 2013, he returned to the NFL as the Kansas City Chiefs running backs coach and stayed in that position until 2018, when he was promoted to offensive coordinator.

As Kansas City's offensive coordinator, Bieniemy helped the Chiefs reach three Super Bowls and win two of them in 2019 and 2022.

Bieniemy's success with the Chiefs didn't follow him to Washington last season, however, as the Commanders went 4-13, leading to Ron Rivera's firing. New Commanders head coach Dan Quinn did not bring back Bieniemy in 2024.

According to Schultz, Bieniemy received interest from a handful of teams after a successful stint with the Bruins but ultimately wanted to join Johnson and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams in Chicago.

Johnson, Bieniemy and the Bears will have their work cut out for them this season. Chicago is coming off its fourth straight postseason absence and a 5-12 season. There's plenty of hope for the Bears with Johnson, one of the most sought-after coaches this cycle, taking over, along with an exciting young quarterback in Williams.

Now they've got an experienced coach in Bieniemy joining their staff.