LAKE FOREST, Ill.
As the Chicago Bears approach their season finale against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday, the team is gearing up to intensify their coaching search.
One name that has emerged as a potential candidate is Kliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. Kingsbury previously held the position of senior offensive analyst at the University of Southern California in 2023, where he worked closely with Caleb Williams, the quarterback the Bears selected with the first overall pick last spring.

Williams has shared positive sentiments about Kingsbury, recognizing his passion for football and competitive nature. “I know what type of guy he is,” Williams stated. “I know he loves football. He’s a competitor.” He noted that he has gained valuable insights from Kingsbury, and believes he embodies numerous positive traits essential for a coach.

When asked to detail the qualities he values in a coach, Williams emphasized the importance of having someone who challenges players, both on the field and in terms of character. “A coach that challenges myself, whether it’s an offensive coordinator or head coach,” he explained, highlighting the need for a disciplined individual who maintains clear rules and can effectively manage the team.

Previously, the Bears had interviewed Kingsbury for their offensive coordinator vacancy but ultimately chose Shane Waldron, whose tenure was cut short after just nine games before he was let go on November 12. Following a crushing defeat against Detroit on Thanksgiving, the Bears made the significant decision to fire head coach Matt Eberflus, marking the first time the franchise dismissed a coach mid-season.

Kingsbury has coaching experience as a former quarterback and led the Arizona Cardinals to a 28-37-1 record from 2019 to 2022, including one winning season. Currently, he is directing an offense with the Commanders that is performing remarkably well, ranking among the best in the league led by another rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels. The Commanders stand fourth in the NFL for yards per game and fifth in scoring.

In addition, Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is anticipated to be a prime candidate in the coaching market. Meanwhile, Pete Carroll, the former head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, has expressed interest in returning to coaching after a year away from the game.

The Bears, with a dismal record of 4-12, are viewed as one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL. With initial playoff aspirations, their season took a downturn after a strong start of 4-2.
Chicago is currently enduring its second streak of ten consecutive losses in general manager Ryan Poles’ three-year tenure, having also suffered through a franchise-worst fourteen-game losing streak last season. Notably, the Bears have never recorded more than ten consecutive losses within a single season.

Team president Kevin Warren has affirmed that Poles will continue in his role and be the key figure in the search for a new coach, indicating that Poles will have the final say if any disagreements arise about potential hires.

Caleb Williams is open to offering his insights during the hiring process if called upon, yet he maintains that it is ultimately the management’s responsibility to make those decisions. “If they make a decision like that, just hope and believe and have faith that those guys upstairs make the right decisions,” said Williams. “If I’m a part of it, then great.”