Eric Bieniemy leaving Vikings for Colorado, will finish season

Job security and a chance to return to his alma mater was too good for Eric Bieniemy to pass up.

The Minnesota Vikings' running backs coach has accepted the offensive coordinator job at the University of Colorado, according to multiple reports that said Bieniemy will finish the season before leaving.

"Congrats to my position coach Eric Bieniemy on accepting the offensive coordinator job at the University of Colorado!" Vikings halfback Albert Young wrote on his Twitter page. "Well deserved EB!"

Bieniemy interviewed last weekend for the head-coaching position that reportedly has been accepted by Jon Embree, another former Buffaloes standout who most recently was the Washington Redskins' tight ends coach.

The University of Southern California offered Bieniemy its offensive-coordinator position in July, but he decided to stay with the Vikings, accepting a promotion to assistant head coach/offense. The firing of coach Brad Childress last week threw the future of the entire coaching staff into jeopardy, no doubt playing some role in Bieniemy's decision to leave.

Tom Pelissero is Senior Editor and columnist for 1500ESPN.com. He hosts from 6 to 8 p.m. weeknights and co-hosts from 10 a.m. to noon Sundays on 1500 ESPN Twin Cities.
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