The buzz is building around Kliff Kingsbury potentially generating head coaching interest when the 2025 hiring cycle commences. He's done an exceptional job as Washington Commanders offensive coordinator. That isn't going unnoticed by those around the league looking to give their respective franchises a much-needed spark.
Kingsbury's restored his reputation as an outstanding play-caller and quarterback developer. The coach's rapport with rookie Jayden Daniels and calming influence enabled him to hit the ground running. He's also managed to debunk the myth of his offenses tailing off over the second half of the season.
Speculation around Kingsbury being a leading contender for the Chicago Bears vacancy is gathering pace. Caleb Williams, who worked with him at USC, gave a glowing recommendation to the possibility. A leading insider suggested an interview could follow once Washington is officially eliminated from postseason contention.
Insider expects Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury to interview with the Bears
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN expects Kingsbury to talk with the Bears at some stage. He also stated that the coordinator will be selective during the process and might not take any job considering the promising situation in Washington.
"I expect [Kliff] Kingsbury to interview there. As was told to me, most or all the names that have been linked to the Bears are people Chicago would like to interview. Observers believe experience will be a key factor in the hiring process, and Kingsbury has experience coupled with quarterback cachet. Now, we've heard the buzz word "selective" with [Ben] Johnson's approach to the cycle. Kingsbury will also be selective, I'm told. He's still getting paid head coach money from Arizona and gets to coach [Jayden] Daniels on a Washington team that should be even better next season. I don't think he's ironing shirts for job interviews just yet. Keep in mind, Kingsbury was down the road with the Jets in 2019 before he took the Arizona job, so New York could double back with him."Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Kingsbury didn't give much away when probed about the possibility. He admitted a desire to become a head coach again one day. There's also a supreme focus on the immediate task at hand that supersedes everything else right now.
Helping the Commanders make noise in the playoffs remains Kingsbury's primary objective. Anything after that doesn't concern him right now. He's a laid-back character who takes everything in his stride. There is no rush to become a head coach again, but you only get so many opportunities.
Some jobs will be more intriguing than others. The chance to work with Williams again on a Bears squad that does have talent might be a tempting proposition. Jerry Jones also spoke glowingly about Kingsbury recently, and it just so happens that the Dallas Cowboys could be looking for a new head coach with Mike McCarthy's contract expiring.
The Commanders must brace themselves and be ready to react accordingly. Contingency plans are needed and replacements must be shortlisted if Kingsbury departs. It would be disappointing, but that's the nature of being a successful team.
It would be nice if Kingsbury gave it another year to finish what he started. He might also decide to strike while the iron is hot and get a second head coaching chance.
There's just no telling for sure.