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Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy officially pulled out of the University of Colorado’s search for a head coach on Wednesday night, according to 9News’ Mike Klis.
Eric Bieniemy turned down CU last night per source. CU came back at him again today but he didn’t change mind. CU stayed patient while Bienemy vacationed. While Bieniemy was never formally interviewed, two sides stayed in contact. He appeared to be CU’s top choice. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) February 21, 2020
We first learned that Bieniemy’s alma mater would reach out to him about nine days ago.
Last offseason, Bieniemy, 50, interviewed with the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their vacant head-coaching positions, and he reportedly turned down an interview from the Arizona Cardinals. This offseason, interviews with the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and New York Giants did not lead to a position.
Coming off a win in Super Bowl LIV having helped lead quarterback Patrick Mahomes to an NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP in successive seasons, Bieniemy was a rather attractive candidate for Colorado.
Here is what I wrote back on February 12:
The likelihood of him moving from the pro to college ranks seems small. Given Andy Reid’s track record of grooming head coaches — and the Super Bowl championship — there is no better position to be in than Reid’s understudy.
Since becoming an NFL coach is the end goal for Bieniemy, it is fair to expect he will stay put as Chiefs offensive coordinator for the 2020 NFL season.
Bieniemy likely agreed, and he stays put in Kansas City for its title defense.