The NFL is brimming with head coaching vacancies, and Kliff Kingsbury, currently the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, has emerged as a hot name among candidates. Three NFL teams—the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, and New York Jets—are without head coaches after they parted ways with their previous leaders during the tumultuous 2024 season. This situation is poised to shift dramatically with 'Black Monday' looming on the horizon, following the conclusion of regular-season play.
The Bears, having endured a monumental ten-game losing streak, have expressed strong interest in interviewing Kingsbury for their head coach position. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, this match makes abundant sense, especially when considering Kingsbury's relationship with Caleb Williams, the Bears' rookie quarterback, who has shown promise throughout the season.
Yet, what makes Kingsbury's situation unique is his current status. Unlike many other coaching candidates, Kingsbury is still receiving payment from the Arizona Cardinals, who fired him after the 2022 season. This financial cushion allows him the luxury to be selective about his next job. NFL insider Peter Schrager emphasized this point, stating, "Unlike a lot of these other candidates, Kliff Kingsbury is still being paid his full salary by the Arizona Cardinals… and I can tell you from sources, Kliff's not banging down the doors for any job at all." He continued, affirming, "It would have to be the right job for him to, A, even interview, and B, accept."
Kingsbury’s impact this season with the Commanders has been nothing short of remarkable. Under his guidance, Washington’s offensive unit has flourished, ranking among the top five scoring offenses and impressive metrics across key performance indicators. His relationship with rookie sensation Jayden Daniels has proven instrumental, marking the Commanders as not just competitive but also exciting to watch.
For Kingsbury, sharing insights about his past experiences appears to play a pivotal role as he contemplates future coaching opportunities. Reflecting on his tenure with the Cardinals, he noted, “I don't think I set the foundation [in Arizona] the way I would do it after watching DQ… I definitely could have done a mejor job of [that].” This introspection indicates his desire to create structure and clarity from the get-go, something he feels he could have improved upon previously.
Interest from teams like the Bears and Jets indicates the league’s recognition of Kingsbury's capability to develop young quarterbacks and command successful offenses. Lest we forget, the Jets have reportedly considered interviewing Kingsbury as well, alongside other candidates such as Arthur Smith of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The imperative to secure the right leader for their teams has galvanized discussions around him.
While the path to coaching again is filled with uncertainties, the advantages of his current position cannot be overstated. Kingsbury is not only benefiting from the financial aspects following his time with the Cardinals but is also thriving within the Commanders' framework. He's enjoying coaching the game’s top young quarterback, which adds to the allure of staying put or awaiting the best opportunity.
The stage is set for Kingsbury as NFL teams prepare for intensive coaching searches, particularly after Week 18 wraps up. Although the Bears appear to be at the forefront of potential interviews, it’s clear Kingsbury has made significant strides since his time with Arizona, which has made many teams take notice.
Overall, as Kingsbury considers his next steps, discussions surrounding his name are likely to amplify. He holds the cards, with his financial stability allowing him to be measured and strategic about pursuing the right fit. A slew of interviews looms on the horizon, but whether he will take the plunge remains to be seen. At this point, it’s about waiting for the right calling, reflecting not just his skills on the field but also his aspirations as a coach.