The Chicago Bears are interviewing USC Senior offensive assistant Kliff Kingsbury for their offensive coordinator position. The move was expected and finally came. So, what are the pros and cons of the possibility of Kingsbury being hired, and why was the move so expected?
Chicago Bears to interview Kliff Kingsbury
Kliff Kingsbury was once an NFL quarterback. He started his career with the New England Patriots, backing up Tom Brady for a year before playing with the New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets. Kingsbury played in the CFL for a little, and ended his career in 2007.
In 2008, he was hired as a quality control coach for Houston under head coach Kevin Sumlin and offensive coordinator Dana Holgerson. He moved up to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
In 2012, he followed Sumlin to Texas A&M to be the offensive coordinator for Johnny Manziel and the Aggies. In 2013, he was named Texas Tech head coach. He coached both Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes during his time there.
That track record got him the Arizona Cardinals job in 2019. He coached Kyler Murray and the Cardinals until the 2022 season. Last year, he was a Senior Offensive Analyst with USC.
Pros of Chicago Bears hiring Kliff Kingsbury
If the Chicago Bears hire Kliff Kingsbury, they have someone who worked first-hand with Caleb Williams. It would be a slam-dunk fit, and he would come in with an extensive knowledge of the top quarterback.
He has also always been an innovative mind when it comes to quarterbacking. Team building and defense held him back as a head coach, but his offense was always ahead of the game. If he is just calling plays, the Bears are in a good spot. He also has a track record with quarterbacks that others do not.
Cons of Chicago Bears hiring Kliff Kingsbury
Kingsbury tends to see his teams catch people off-guard at first and then fail to adjust as the season goes on. His offenses rarely are playing their best late in the season. The hire would fit with Williams, but it would limit the fit, and last year, Williams did not have his best year with Kingsbury as a helper.
Lastly, he would be the person who would have a good year, get his name back on the right track, and leave for a head coaching job. His interview may be more about getting the low-down on Williams and how he would plan for him than it is about hiring him.