The Chicago Bears are in search of a new head coach, and an intriguing option could be someone with a strong connection to their star rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams. The talented No. 1 overall pick previously played under a former NFL head coach who might soon be back in demand.
Could Kliff Kingsbury be the right fit?
Kingsbury, currently the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator, has experienced both success and setbacks in his coaching career. However, he’s riding a wave of success this season, with Washington having one of its best campaigns in recent years. Before joining the Commanders, Kingsbury served as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and spent six seasons leading Texas Tech.
When asked about the possibility of returning to a head coaching role, Kingsbury expressed openness to the idea — but not just yet.
“At some point,” Kingsbury said during a press conference on Thursday. “We’ll see how everything plays out, but I’m really happy here.”
Kingsbury’s impact on the Commanders’ success has been undeniable. The team has secured a playoff spot, and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels — selected right after Williams — has thrived under Kingsbury’s guidance. Washington’s offense ranks among the league’s best in both yards and points, with Daniels being a front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The Commanders currently hold an 11-5 record heading into their Week 18 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, with Kingsbury playing a key role in the team’s resurgence.
If teams like the Bears are interested in interviewing Kingsbury for a head coaching job, league rules require them to wait until three days after the Commanders’ wild-card game. When asked if he would entertain interview offers, Kingsbury remained diplomatic.
“This has been a great experience,” Kingsbury said. “It’s really helped me rekindle my love for the game.”
Interestingly, the Bears already considered Kingsbury for their offensive coordinator position last year. At the time, Kingsbury had spent a season as an offensive analyst at USC, where he worked closely with Williams under head coach Lincoln Riley. Instead, Chicago hired Shane Waldron as OC — a move that didn’t pan out, as Waldron was dismissed after just nine games. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus was also let go shortly thereafter.
For Williams, his rookie season has been a rollercoaster. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, including a record-breaking interception-free streak of 353 passes and a fifth-place finish on Chicago’s single-season passing list with 3,393 yards. However, he also leads the league in sacks taken (67) and sack yardage lost (459), with the Bears enduring a 10-game losing streak leading into their final regular-season game against Green Bay.
During a press conference, Williams shared his thoughts on what he values in a head coach.
“I want a coach who challenges me — whether it’s the offensive coordinator or the head coach,” Williams said. “Someone who pushes us to be better, on and off the field. A man of his word, disciplined, and focused on winning. That’s the kind of coach I want to play for.”
When asked specifically about Kingsbury, Williams spoke carefully but positively.
“I know Kliff, and I’ve been around him,” Williams said. “I know he loves football and wants to win. He’s a competitor in many ways that align with what I’m looking for in a coach.”
Kingsbury’s track record with quarterbacks and his prior head coaching experience make him a compelling candidate for the Bears. His time with the Cardinals resulted in just one playoff appearance, finishing with a 28-37-1 record. However, Kingsbury acknowledges that he’s learned valuable lessons from working under Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who is likely in the running for NFL Coach of the Year.
“I’ve seen how DQ set the foundation from Day One,” Kingsbury said. “He made it clear what the standards were, and that’s something I didn’t do well enough in Arizona. If you don’t set the right tone from the start, it’s hard to fix it later.”
With the Bears facing a critical offseason, Kingsbury’s evolution as a coach — paired with his connection to Williams — makes him a candidate worth watching closely.
