As the Chicago Bears open rookie minicamp, all eyes will be on the debut of first-year head coach Ben Johnson. However, he isn’t the only big name on the Bears’ new look coaching staff.
As Johnson filled his staff, he wanted it to include trusted veterans who could help ease his head coach transition. One of those veterans is new running backs coach Eric Bieniemy. After a brief return to the college ranks, Bieniemy is now back in the NFL and ready to help Johnson craft Chicago’s rushing plans.
At the first day of rookie mini camp, Bieniemy’s fingerprints were all over the operation. To those in attendance, it was clear Bieniemy has already made an impact on the Bears, via Nicholas Moreano of Bear Googles On.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we see an uptick from the entire RB group just because of Bieniemy,” Moreano wrote.
One of the takeaways from today's practice was #Bears RBs coach Eric Bieniemy.
He has an edge to him when he coaches and demands the details are exact. Saw him get after RB Christian Grubb for walking after a drill.
I wouldn't be surprised if we see an uptick from the entire…
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) May 9, 2025
Eric Bieniemy was Coaching these boys today 🔥 had me Fired up just listening lol pic.twitter.com/KsutSNBvAO
— PAT THE DESIGNER (@PatTheDesigner) May 9, 2025
Eric Bieniemy elevates Chicago Bears offense
Bieniemy won two Super Bowls during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs. He left after the 2022 season and has been searching to find the same level of success, to no avail. As he prepares for his next challenge with the Bears, Bieniemy will have a mountain to climb.
He will have some extra help as Chicago has completely bolstered their offensive line. The additions of guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson as well as center Drew Dalman should only open up more rushing lanes. However, D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson must both take a giant step forward if they’re going to remain the lead runners.
Swift’s first season in Chicago saw him earn a career-high 253 carries, turning it into 959 yards and six touchdowns. While the near 1,000 yards is impressive, Swift’s 3.8 yards per carry is cringe worthy. If Swift is to remain Johnson’s RB1, he needs to be more efficient and overall explosive on each of his touches.
Johnson matched Swift’s six touchdowns, showing he can be a valuable goal line back. However, he earned just 55 carries for 150 yards total. General manager Ryan Poles has spoken glowingly of Johnson, perhaps pointing to him getting a larger opportunity. However, Johnson would need to have a major breakthrough to become a focal point of Chicago’s offense.
The Bears do have seventh-round Kyle Monangai, who will be looking to put on a show at rookie mini camp. Furthermore, Chicago is sure to scour the wire to see who becomes available through training camp. Overall, the Bears running back room is still a work in progress.
What is known is how bad things got in 2024. The Bears finished their campaign ranked 25th in total rushing, averaging 102 yards per game. With Bieniemy coming to the Windy City, he will be tasked with making Chicago’s rushing attack much more dynamic. The run game was a huge part of Johnson’s success with the Detroit Lions.
While it’s just rookie minicamp, it’s clear to see Bieniemy is taking his role seriously. He sees and agrees with the vision Johnson is bringing to Chicago. As the Bears look for a rushing spark, Bieniemy is ready to extract every bit of talent out of every runner Johnson and company bring in.
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