Ben Johnson wanted to put together a star-studded coaching staff when he took over the Chicago Bears in January. He refused to let his ego dictate the hires. This wouldn’t be a case of a guy simply hiring his buddies and people he knows. He wanted proven guys. It started with bringing Al Harris over from Dallas. Many were shocked that the Cowboys let him walk after such a terrific run with their defensive backs. Next came Antwaan Randle El, who’d done great work with the Detroit Lions receivers. However, the biggest surprise was luring Eric Bieniemy back to the NFL as the new running backs coach.
Not too long ago, the veteran assistant was on the cusp of stardom. He’d won two Super Bowls in Kansas City as their offensive coordinator, getting Patrick Mahomes to play the best football of his career. However, the past two years were difficult for Bieniemy in Washington and at UCLA. Johnson knew the man was a far better coach than what happened there. He had the intelligence and reputation for developing young running backs, as Maurice Jones-Drew and Adrian Peterson can attest.
Most importantly, though, he has attitude. Bears rookies found that out through the first two practices. Bieniemy is not one to tolerate mistakes, no matter how small. If they screw up, they’re getting a loud rebuke filled with plenty of expletives.
Eric Bieniemy has no fear, which is vital to his job.
Many coaches aren’t willing to get on players these days for fear of some mutiny or social media backlash. Thomas Brown mentioned the issue last year after Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus were fired. Some guys aren’t willing to actually coach players. Eric Bieniemy has never had that problem. Yes, many players don’t like him because he’s a “hardass.” He is disciplined and loud. Does he care? Not one bit. He understands as well as anybody that football is hard. It is one of the hardest sports in the world to master. That requires a sometimes forceful approach. Bieniemy understands players aren’t capable of policing themselves regarding details and execution. Some can, but most can’t. Not to the level a team requires to win games. Sometimes, a coach must embrace being the villain to get the team’s desired results. That is why hiring him was such a smart decision.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.