Kliff Kingsbury (Getty Images)
Sources have informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Kliff Kingsbury, the former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, is poised to interview for the vacant offensive coordinator position with the Chicago Bears.
Kingsbury joins a list of eight other candidates the Bears are considering, including Shane Waldron, Greg Olson, Klint Kubiak, Liam Coen, Greg Roman, Thomas Brown, Marcus Brady, and Zac Robinson.
Bears’ Offensive Staff Changes
Following the dismissal of former offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and four offensive staff members on Jan. 10, the Bears, who ranked second in rushing but 27th in passing offense in 2023, promptly initiated the quest for a replacement.
Kliff Kingsbury’s Journey
After parting ways with the Cardinals in 2022, Kingsbury returned to the college scene in 2023. He assumed the role of senior offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach for USC. Notably, the former Trojans Caleb Williams, now declaring for the NFL draft, is expected to be the top pick.
Bears’ No. 1 Overall Draft Pick
The Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick for the second consecutive year, having traded last year’s top selection to the Carolina Panthers for wide receiver DJ Moore and four draft picks. The Panthers finished with a league-worst 2-15 record, which secured Chicago’s No. 1 overall pick. The Bears will also draft at No. 9 after finishing 7-10.
Caleb Williams’ Impact and NFL Draft Decision
Williams, 22, earned the Heisman Trophy in 2022, showcasing his prowess with 4,537 passing yards, 42 touchdowns, and 10 rushing touchdowns. His outstanding performance at USC this past season, throwing for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns, and rushing for 11 touchdowns, has catapulted him into the NFL draft spotlight. Williams officially announced his decision to enter the NFL draft on Monday.
“I still have a lot to learn and I’m ready to do whatever it takes,” Williams wrote on Instagram. “As a kid, I said this is what I was going to do for the rest of my life, but I didn’t work this hard just to reach this point. I will continue my journey to make that little kid proud of the man I will be for many years to come.”
Bears’ Dilemma: Drafting Williams or Sticking with Fields
The Bears now grapple with a major decision: whether to use the No. 1 overall pick on Williams, opt for another rookie, or proceed with quarterback Justin Fields, who is entering his fourth season. General manager Ryan Poles said the Bears are in “information-gathering mode” regarding their plans for the No. 1 overall pick, and are staying “wide open” in considering many scenarios.
“We have a really unique draft situation that is going to allow us to continue to get better,” Poles said.
Kingsbury’s Coaching Record
Kingsbury’s first season with the Cardinals aligned with their use of the No. 1 overall pick on quarterback Kyler Murray in 2019. While Murray’s 2020 season stood out with 3,971 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, his best season under Kingsbury was in Year 3, when the Cardinals finished 11-6, reaching the wild-card round but losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams.
Kingsbury, 44, held a regular-season record of 28-37-1 during his four seasons with the Cardinals and went 0-1 in the playoffs.
This report used information from ESPN.
