Grading the Chicago Bears’ decision to hire Eric Bieniemy as running backs coach

In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, teams frequently make coaching changes in pursuit of improvement, whether to address a struggling unit or to enhance an already solid team. This year, the Chicago Bears made a significant move in their coaching staff by hiring Eric Bieniemy, a highly regarded and experienced offensive coach, to fill the position of running backs coach. The decision to hire Bieniemy, a coach with extensive experience and a track record of success in both college and the NFL, has sparked significant interest, as many wonder how his arrival could impact the Bears’ running game.

Bieniemy’s hiring has created a buzz within the organization and across the NFL. After spending many years as the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs, where he helped mold a high-powered offense led by Patrick Mahomes, Bieniemy’s name became synonymous with success. Now, as he shifts from overseeing an explosive offense to working more intimately with one of the most important positions in football, the decision raises questions about his potential impact on the Bears’ running backs and overall offensive identity.

In this article, we’ll evaluate the decision to hire Eric Bieniemy as the Chicago Bears’ running backs coach from multiple angles, including his coaching background, the challenges he faces, and how his hiring may influence the development of the Bears’ offensive identity, particularly the running game.

A Look at Eric Bieniemy’s Coaching Background

Before diving into the specifics of the Bears’ situation, it’s important to understand who Eric Bieniemy is and why his hiring is viewed as such a notable development for the Bears. Bieniemy’s coaching journey has spanned several decades, starting with his playing career. As a former NFL running back for the San Diego Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Philadelphia Eagles, Bieniemy is no stranger to the running back position. His experience in the league not only provides him with an in-depth understanding of the position but also gives him credibility when coaching players.

Bieniemy’s true coaching impact came during his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he served as the offensive coordinator from 2018 to 2022 under head coach Andy Reid. The Chiefs, with Bieniemy playing a key role in developing the offense, became one of the most explosive teams in the NFL. Bieniemy’s ability to balance a high-flying passing attack with an efficient running game helped shape the Chiefs into Super Bowl contenders year after year. His knowledge of offensive schemes, play calling, and player development was central to the Chiefs’ offensive success.

During his time in Kansas City, Bieniemy worked with star players like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill, but his work with running backs such as Kareem Hunt, Damien Williams, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire also stood out. Although the Chiefs’ offense was often noted for its aerial attack, Bieniemy was instrumental in ensuring that the running game remained effective and versatile. His ability to incorporate the running backs into the passing game, as well as implement zone-blocking schemes and short-yardage plays, speaks to his versatility as a coach.

After five seasons as offensive coordinator in Kansas City, Bieniemy became one of the most highly sought-after head coaching candidates in the NFL. However, despite his success with the Chiefs, Bieniemy has yet to land a head coaching job, which has led some to question why he has not received the opportunity to lead a team. Nevertheless, his decision to take on a different role with the Bears, specifically as the running backs coach, represents an intriguing shift in his career.

The Bears’ Need for a Boost in the Running Game

One of the primary reasons the Bears decided to hire Bieniemy is their need to bolster their running game. Over the past several seasons, Chicago has struggled to develop a consistent offensive identity. The team has been known for its strong defense, but its offense has been hit-or-miss, especially when it comes to establishing a reliable ground game.

Despite having a promising young quarterback in Justin Fields, who has shown flashes of brilliance as both a passer and a runner, the Bears have faced challenges in implementing a balanced offensive approach. A large part of that issue has been the running back position, where Chicago has not seen the level of productivity it would like. While the Bears’ offense has benefited from Fields’ dynamic rushing ability, the team has struggled to get consistent production from its primary running backs.

The Bears have several young running backs on the roster, including Khalil Herbert and Rookie Roschon Johnson, but neither has been able to establish himself as a true bell-cow back. In 2022, Herbert showed promise with impressive yards per carry, but there were times when the running game faltered due to inconsistent offensive line play and a lack of variety in the run scheme. The Bears need someone who can get the most out of their running back group and maximize the talent they have at the position.

This is where Eric Bieniemy comes in. Given his experience as a coordinator for the Chiefs, where he effectively incorporated a variety of offensive weapons, Bieniemy brings the knowledge and scheme diversity that could help unlock the full potential of the Bears’ backfield. His ability to mix both inside and outside zone runs, along with creating opportunities in the passing game, could elevate the Bears’ offense to new heights.

Why Bieniemy’s Background Makes Him a Perfect Fit for the Role

While it may seem surprising that Bieniemy is moving to a position coach role after serving as an offensive coordinator for several years, this decision may be a blessing in disguise for the Bears. The running backs coach position allows Bieniemy to focus on the intricacies of the running game without the pressure of overseeing an entire offense. It’s an opportunity for him to work hands-on with the running backs on a daily basis, coaching them through the nuances of ball security, pass protection, and blocking schemes.

Bieniemy’s experience with running backs in Kansas City should make him an invaluable asset to the Bears. He has coached some of the best in the business, including Kareem Hunt, who had a standout rookie year under Bieniemy, and Damien Williams, who played a critical role in Kansas City’s Super Bowl run. He knows how to get the most out of running backs in both the rushing and passing game, and this is something the Bears desperately need.

Another factor that works in Bieniemy’s favor is his mentorship abilities. As an offensive coordinator, Bieniemy was known for his ability to develop players, particularly young talent. His leadership style involves a balance of accountability and support, ensuring that his players not only understand the X’s and O’s but also build the confidence to perform at a high level. For a young player like Khalil Herbert, Bieniemy could serve as a mentor who teaches the finer points of the position, helping him develop into a more complete back.

Bieniemy’s success in Kansas City is also due in large part to his ability to adapt his system to his players’ strengths. He’s shown that he’s capable of working with a variety of running backs and tailoring the offense to fit their skill sets. Whether it’s designing plays for a power back or finding creative ways to utilize a speedy, shifty runner, Bieniemy’s flexibility and experience with diverse schemes are crucial qualities for this role.

Challenges and Potential Hurdles for Bieniemy and the Bears

Despite the obvious strengths that Eric Bieniemy brings to the table, there are also some challenges to consider in this decision. First and foremost, Bieniemy has never served as a position coach before at the NFL level. While he has extensive experience as a coordinator, moving to a position coach role is a different dynamic. The expectations will be focused on his ability to develop and improve the Bears’ running backs, and it remains to be seen how he adjusts to this new responsibility.

Additionally, the Bears have a relatively young and unproven offensive line. A strong running game relies not only on the running backs but also on the offensive line’s ability to block effectively. Even if Bieniemy can unlock the potential of the running backs, it will ultimately come down to whether the Bears can develop a consistent line that creates running lanes and establishes control at the line of scrimmage.

Finally, Bieniemy will need to learn how to mesh his style with that of Matt Eberflus, the head coach of the Bears. Eberflus’ defensive-minded approach and overall vision for the team will shape how the offense functions, and Bieniemy will need to ensure that his coaching philosophies align with the team’s broader offensive strategy. While this should not be a significant obstacle, it will still require a period of adjustment as Bieniemy works within the confines of the Bears’ system.