Sources: Bieniemy set to be UCLA's offensive coordinator - ESPN

Former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is finalizing a two-year deal to join UCLA's staff as the Bruins' associate head coach/offensive coordinator, sources told ESPN on Saturday night.

The move marks a significant hire for new UCLA coach DeShaun Foster, who intends to forge an NFL identity with the Bruins. It also marks a homecoming for Bieniemy, who grew up in the area and was a Bruins assistant from 2003-05.

«Southern California,» Bieniemy wrote in an email Saturday. «I attended high school there. I started my career in the league here [with the Chargers]. It's obviously great to be back with the Bruins, where I was previously employed.»

Bieniemy had opportunities to remain in the NFL. He interviewed for the Commanders' head-coaching job, and two other offensive coordinator jobs. Bieniemy said one NFL team offered him its assistant head coach/running back job. But ultimately, he took his time and found his way back to school.

«I have had countless conversations and interviews with many teams, and I have been applauded and lauded,» Bieniemy wrote. «I can't say why certain decisions were or were not made but it had nothing to [do] with a lack of anything on my end.

»My self-dignity, worth, integrity, personhood, manhood will never be questioned or compromised. It is not always about money, either. 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."

It will be Bieniemy's first college job since working as Colorado's offensive coordinator from 2011 to 2012. Foster prioritized hiring a