UCLA is reportedly in the middle of a major change to DeShaun Foster’s coaching staff after a 5-7 debut season with the Bruins.

Ross Dellenger with Yahoo Sports originally reported that Eric Bieniemy was “out” after one season as the offensive coordinator for the Bruins. ESPN’s Pete Thamel echoed that report and indicated Bieniemy was being fired with a buyout worth more than $1.2 million.

However, Bieniemy’s agent has since released a statement through NFL insider Tom Pelissero.

According to that statement from Jason Fletcher, the OC and UCLA mutually parted ways in a decision that was “previously planned.” That statement says it was always Bieniemy’s plan to return to the NFL.

“After interviewing for head coaching jobs last year, he wanted to stay active and busy. So, he decided to go help out Deshaun Foster, who is like his little brother, at UCLA as opposed to sitting out a year,” said Fletcher. “The plan was always to return to the NFL in 2025, and he’s looking forward to the opportunities ahead.”

Regardless of where the move began, it’s not hard to see a change was necessary. The Bruins were 15th in the Big Ten in total offense with 328.8 yards per game and 16th in the league with 18.4 points per game. Those same marks finished 117th and 126th in the nation, respectively.

Already, it looks like the Bruins may have zeroed in on their top target. According to Matt Zenitz with CBS Sports, Indiana co-OC and QBs coach Tino Sunseri is being targeted for the role.

Sunseri has been praised for his work with QB Kurtis Rourke who tied for the Big Ten lead with 27 passing touchdowns. The Hoosiers also finished 2nd nationally with 43.3 points per game in Curt Cignetti’s first season.