Report: Kliff Kingsbury to Be 'Selective' in NFL HC Hiring Cycle amid Bears Rumors

Kliff Kingsbury intends to be selective this offseason after rebuilding his coaching stock as offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"He's still getting paid head coach money from Arizona and gets to coach [quarterback Jayden] Daniels on a Washington team that should be even better next season," Fowler wrote. "I don't think he's ironing shirts for job interviews just yet."

In the same story, Dan Graziano of ESPN said he's "heard a few people speculate" about the Chicago Bears looking at Kingsbury as part of their coaching search.

The Arizona Cardinals fired Kingsbury upon the conclusion of the 2022 season after he posted a 28-37-1 and had one playoff appearance in four years at the helm. Given his reputation as an offensive guru, the lack of progress franchise quarterback Kyler Murray showed under his watch was ultimately the decisive factor behind his ouster.

Kingsbury has since rehabbed his image in Washington thanks to the immediate success of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The No. 2 overall pick has thrown for 3,530 yards, 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and he ranks fourth in QBR (72.4), per ESPN.com.

The coordinator has also utilized Daniels' mobility to great effect as he's leading the team in rushing yards with 864.

It's easy to see why, despite how his Cardinals tenure unfolded, a team like Bears would zero in on Kingsbury. No player is more important in Chicago than quarterback Caleb Williams, and setting Williams up for success in 2025 will be the franchise's primary objective.

Kingsbury may not jump at the first opportunity to become a head coach again, though. He told reporters Thursday he'd like to work in that role again "at some point."

The 45-year-old is still relatively young for a coach and could have a long career ahead. He can afford to stick around with the Commanders until a vacancy to his liking opens up.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson decided to stay put last offseason despite being pretty far along in the interview process with Washington. He's once again poised to be a hot commodity in the coaching market.

Kingsbury's stock should remain similarly strong if he returns to the nation's capital and helps Daniels reach another level in 2025.