Bears reportedly set OC interview with Kliff Kingsbury

Field Level Media|published: Thu 18th January, 14:30 2024

The former Arizona Cardinals head coach, now an assistant coach with the USC Trojans, Kliff Kingsbury talks to quarterback Caleb Williams (13) during the pregame warmup before playing the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Sept. 23, 2023. credits: Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

USC quarterbacks coach Kliff Kingsbury is scheduled to interview to become offensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears, according to multiple reports.

The interview will reportedly take place Friday as the Bears take the initial steps into a critical offseason that began with the dismissal of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.

Kingsbury is also the senior offensive analyst for USC. He coached prospective No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams with the Trojans last season, joining the coaching staff in the spring after being fired as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in January 2023.

The Bears have the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft and a decision to make regarding whether to select Williams or another quarterback, or stick with 2021 first-round pick Justin Fields.

Chicago traded out of the No. 1 spot prior to the 2023 draft, sending the pick to the Carolina Panthers for multiple draft picks — including the team's first-rounder this season. Carolina drafted Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and then finished with the NFL's worst record, securing the top pick for the Bears.

Even if the Bears don't select Williams, Kingsbury could be valuable as a coach who has experienced drafting a quarterback at the top of the draft.

Kingsbury played quarterback at Texas Tech and was head coach of the Red Raiders —where he coached Patrick Mahomes — before jumping to the NFL the same offseason the Cardinals selected Kyler Murray with the No. 1 overall pick in 2019.

Williams passed for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games this season. Though Williams' numbers were strong, the Trojans finished with a disappointing 8-5 record (5-4 Pac-12). They won the Dec. 17 Holiday Bowl over Louisville, 48-28, but Williams decided to sit out the game.

In 2022, his first season with the Trojans, Williams had 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns and five interceptions in 14 games on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy. USC started 11-1 that season before losing to Utah in the Pac-12 championship game and to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl.

As a freshman in 2021 at Oklahoma, Williams passed for 1,912 yards, 21 touchdowns and four interceptions in 11 games before making the jump to USC.

—Field Level Media

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