After firing head coach Matt Eberflus on Friday, a familiar face could certainly help the Chicago Bears maximize rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
On a Sunday episode of “NFL GameDay,” NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport reported Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury should be an “interesting name to watch” in Chicago’s HC search.
Rapoport added the Bears will explore other options, including Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson and interim HC Thomas Brown. Unlike these candidates, Williams has a connection with Kingsbury.
Kingsbury served as an offensive analyst for USC in 2023. Williams didn’t win a second straight Heisman but threw 30 TDs and posted a solid 170.1 passer rating in 12 games in his final season with the Trojans.
According to NFL.com’s Jeremy Bergman, the Bears interviewed Kingsbury while looking for an OC in 2024. They hired Shane Waldron instead, whom Brown replaced after nine games.
Kingsbury flopped when he was Arizona Cardinals HC from 2019-22, posting a 28-37-1 record. However, his success with Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels may mitigate this concern.
Through his first 12 games, No. 2 overall pick Daniels completed 68.4 percent of his passes for 2,613 yards, 12 TDs and five picks. He also posted a 66.7 QBR, the sixth-best in the NFL. As of Sunday, FanDuel Sportsbook gives him the best Offensive Rookie of the Year odds (-190).
Through 12 games, No. 1 overall pick Williams has completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 2,612 yards, 14 TDs and five interceptions, logging a slightly above-average 50.5 QBR. The Bears may feel his numbers would improve with Kingsbury.
The Bears’ next HC must click with Williams. Why not target a candidate who has a relationship with him and is succeeding with another young passer?
This content was brought to you by: Yardbarker: NFL
