Bears Rumors: Kliff Kingsbury's Name 'Keeps Coming Up' After Matt Eberflus Firing

Following the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus, the Chicago Bears reportedly are eyeing a potential replacement who would be a familiar face for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury "is a name that keeps coming up in Chicago, especially because of his previous relationship with Williams at USC." Kingsbury was a senior offensive analyst for the Trojans during Williams' final collegiate season in 2023.

With Kingsbury on staff at USC, Williams registered a career-best 170.1 quarterback rating and threw for 3,333 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions while also adding a career-high 11 rushing scores. If the two of them are reunited, it should inspire confidence that the 23-year-old will be able to overcome his struggles and inconsistencies from his up-and-down first year in the NFL.

Williams has thrown for 2,746 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions while taking a beating behind Chicago's lackluster offensive line, as he's been sacked a league-high 56 times. Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud ranks second with 41 sacks, illustrating the unprecedented pressure Williams has been facing this season.

Graziano noted that the prospect of coaching Williams could be attractive to most offensive-minded coaches. Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was named as a potential target for the Bears, and former Tennesee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is also expected to be in the mix if he brings the right offensive coordinator along with him.

"I still expect the Bears to take a run at Johnson, and it's possible they could get him," Graziano stated. "I believe Johnson will be a hot candidate, but Williams should be a draw for any creative offensive mind -- including any who might be inclined to join a potential Vrabel staff there."

For now, the Bears (4-9) will be focused on ending their seven-game losing streak as they prepare for Monday night's matchup against the Minnesota Vikings (11-2).