Kliff Kingsbury is being targets, which is the worst-case scenario for Washington.
The hiring cycle is well underway. Interviews are being scheduled and discussions are ongoing with those looking to fill prominent positions within their respective organizations. Kliff Kingsbury's name remains a hot topic of discussion.
The Washington Commanders were bracing themselves for interest in Kingsbury. He's built back up his reputation by spearheading one of the league's most efficient offenses and helping rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels hit the ground running. This came with inevitable speculation about whether his time with the organization could be short-lived.
Rumors were rampant about Kingsbury's next destination if he opted to take a head coaching gig for the second time. One respected insider shed some light on the current state of affairs.
Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury has head coaching interview requests from two teams
Josina Anderson revealed that no fewer than four teams have internally expressed an interest in speaking to Kingsbury. However, there remains skepticism about whether Washington's offensive coordinator legitimately wants to jump back into the top job after just one season with the Commanders.
Now, the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears have reportedly thrown their hat into the ring with formal approaches.
"I'm told at least 4 teams have expressed interest in talking with Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury about their head coach vacancy, per league source. I've also heard some league sources are trying to fully ascertain how much Kingsbury really wants to be a head coach this cycle with more time to reflect, given his current circumstances in Washington. From gathering input, to expressing interest, to submission of official requests. I’m told the Saints and the Bears are the two teams that have officially requested interviews."Josina Anderson
Kingsbury stated that he plans on being an NFL head coach one day. He also credited the Commanders for helping him find his love for coaching again. Learning from a leader of men such as Dan Quinn is only going to help him thrive when he takes the plunge.
Just when that'll be is the big question. Kingsbury cannot interview for other jobs with any interested parties this week in any case with the Commanders preparing for their wildcard clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That gives those examining his credentials in greater detail a better lay of the land regarding his short-term ambitions.
This isn't a bad spot for Kingsbury to be in. He's a hot commodity again just two seasons after being fired by the Arizona Cardinals. The Commanders allowed him the opportunity to enhance his standing around the league. They took a chance by swooping at the 11th hour to keep him from the Las Vegas Raiders' grasp. It was a great decision that paid off handsomely.
Whether Kingsbury feels a sense of loyalty to the Commanders is anyone's guess. Teams are lurking, but he could easily inform them that he's committed to Washington in 2025.
It'll be interesting to see what unfolds in the coming days. If the Commanders win at the Buccaneers and Kingsbury puts on a play-calling masterclass, the Bears and Saints won't be the only ones looking to examine what he could bring.
This is a fluid situation. Everything should become clearer in the coming days, but the Commanders must be ready to react swiftly if Kingsbury departs.
