Bears Rumors: Kliff Kingsbury 'A Top Candidate' amid Mike McCarthy, Ben Johnson Buzz

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is a "top candidate" to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears, according to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt.

The Bears have also reportedly requested to speak with Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Detroit Lions coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, per ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Kingsbury has jumped toward the top of the list in Chicago because of his past work at USC with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and his current work developing Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels, according to Rosenblatt.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also recently reported that he expects Kingsbury to interview with the Bears.

"Observers believe experience will be a key factor in the hiring process, and Kingsbury has experience coupled with quarterback cachet," Fowler wrote.

Kingsbury served as USC's senior offensive analyst during Williams' final college season in 2023, and Williams recently said he had "a bunch of qualities" that would make him a good head coach in Chicago.

When asked what those qualities were, Williams answered: "A coach that challenges myself, whether it's an offensive coordinator or head coach, and also challenges us as players. Whether it's on the field or character, doesn't matter. Just a coach that challenges us."

Both Fowler and Rosenblatt wrote that Kingsbury would be "selective" when deciding which team to join next.

As pointed out by Fowler, Kingsbury is still getting paid by the Arizona Cardinals, whose 2023 firing from the franchise took place ten months after he signed a six-year extension.

That money, combined with the opportunity to coach a rising star in Daniels, are compelling reasons to stick around with Washington.

Kingsbury confirmed after Week 18 he would like to be an NFL head coach again "at some point."

When asked if he would interview for head coaching jobs this cycle, Kingsbury answered, "We'll see how everything plays out. But I'm very happy here."

If Kingsbury does decide to interview, he's likely to be offered multiple opportunities. The New York Jets have been connected both Kingsbury and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, per Rosenblatt and NFL insider Josina Anderson.

Kingsbury went 35-40 as Texas Tech's head coach before leading the Cardinals to a 28-37-1 record over four years with one winning season and playoff appearance.

The Commanders ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards per game and fifth in points per game in his first season as offensive coordinator. Daniels is meanwhile a Rookie of the Year candidate after finishing the regular season fourth in QBR and sixth in completion percentage.