Bieniemy says he chose to leave Commanders, ‘I was not fired’

Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is setting the record straight about his departure, saying he chose not to return for another season. 

“I have no regrets with the Commanders,” Bieniemy wrote in an email to ESPN on Saturday. “Contrary to what some think and what has been put out in the media, I was not fired. I actually just chose not to stay. Learned a lot and that is always a good thing.”

On Saturday, ESPN and other media outlets reported that the former NFL running back was joining UCLA as an offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. 

In January, the Commanders interviewed Bieniemy for their head coaching vacancy. They ultimately decided to hire Dan Quinn. 

Earlier this month, Quinn announced that the Commanders were changing their offensive coordinator, hiring Kliff Kingsbury for the role. 

“I think [Bieniemy]’s an excellent coach … but we’re not going to work together here,” Quinn said. “I wanted him to know I respect the work that he’s done. I wish EB nothing but the best. I’m really pumped that he took a shot this year and went for it, so I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”

Bieniemy said one NFL team offered to hire him as a running backs coach, but he chose to return to the college ranks. 

“My self-dignity, worth, integrity, personhood, manhood will never be questioned or compromised. It is not always about money, either,” the 54-year-old wrote to ESPN. “With everything in life, it is often all about timing. At this time in my life, the opportunity affords me the pleasure of continuing to be a maker and leader of men, to do what I love, follow my passion and my dreams while not compromising on who I am as a man.”