The Chicago Bears are officially in the market for a new head coach following the midseason dismissal of Matt Eberflus.
The move, which came just a day after Chicago’s Thanksgiving loss to the Detroit Lions, signals the franchise’s commitment to a fresh start after a tumultuous 4-8 start to the 2024 season.
Stepping into the interim role is Thomas Brown, recently promoted from offensive coordinator, marking his second elevation this season after the firing of Shane Waldron. While Brown will guide the Bears through their final five games, the organization is already laying the groundwork for what comes next in 2025.
Among the top candidates generating buzz is Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. A familiar name in NFL circles, Kingsbury brings an intriguing mix of offensive creativity and a history of working with young quarterbacks, including current Bears signal-caller Caleb Williams. His connection to Williams dates back to their time at USC, where Kingsbury served as a senior offensive analyst in 2023 during Williams’ Heisman campaign.
Kingsbury’s impact on Williams at USC cannot be overlooked. Under his guidance, Williams posted a 68.6% completion rate, an improvement over his historic 2022 season. While USC finished with an underwhelming 8-5 record, Williams’ individual performance remained strong enough to cement his status as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
This season, Kingsbury joined forces with head coach Dan Quinn in Washington, helping rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels lead the Commanders to an impressive 7-2 start. Though the team has hit a rough patch with a three-game skid, Kingsbury’s offensive schemes have showcased his ability to develop young talent and adapt to a modern NFL landscape.
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Kingsbury’s NFL head coaching experience with the Arizona Cardinals further adds to his résumé. Paired with Kyler Murray, another No. 1 overall pick, Kingsbury led the Cardinals to a playoff appearance in 2021. However, his tenure ended after a disappointing 4-13 campaign in 2022, leaving his overall record at 28-37-1.
For the Bears, Kingsbury’s connection to Williams could prove invaluable. Chicago’s decision to draft the reigning Heisman Trophy winner signaled their intent to build around his generational talent. Pairing Williams with a coach who already understands his strengths and playing style might be the foundation for a more cohesive offense.
This wouldn’t be the first time Chicago considered Kingsbury for a coaching role. Earlier in 2024, the Bears reportedly interviewed him for their offensive coordinator vacancy before opting for Waldron, a decision that ultimately didn’t pan out. Revisiting Kingsbury now for the head coaching role suggests Chicago sees greater potential in his leadership capabilities.
Bears GM Ryan Poles is expected to cast a wide net in the coaching search, with names like Thomas Brown, Lions OC Ben Johnson, and former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel reportedly in the mix. However, Kingsbury’s familiarity with Williams and offensive expertise could make him a standout candidate in a field crowded with intriguing options.
As Chicago navigates this transitional phase, the focus remains on aligning its next head coach with its cornerstone quarterback. The goal? To turn a franchise struggling for consistency into a perennial contender. Whether Kingsbury is the man for the job remains to be seen, but his inclusion in the conversation underscores the Bears’ emphasis on offensive innovation and player development.
The weeks ahead will bring clarity as Poles and the Bears’ front office begin interviews and evaluations. One thing is certain: Chicago’s next hire will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the franchise and determining whether Caleb Williams can lead the team back to prominence.
