Caleb Williams’ position coach at USC is a top contender to become the next offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, according to sources. The Commanders are reportedly eyeing Williams in the upcoming NFL draft, and the potential hiring of Kliff Kingsbury, who coached Williams at USC, could further solidify their interest. Kingsbury recently interviewed for the vacant offensive coordinator position under new head coach Dan Quinn and is considered a strong candidate. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach had initially been linked to the Las Vegas Raiders, but he decided to withdraw his name from consideration before a deal could be reached.
The sudden availability of Kingsbury presents an intriguing opportunity for the Commanders, especially considering his connection with Williams. The Commanders currently hold the second overall pick in the draft and have a clear need for a franchise quarterback. Hiring Kingsbury could be a strategic move by the new coaching regime to pave the way for the selection of Williams, a native of Washington, D.C.
Kingsbury’s track record of developing talented quarterbacks is a key factor in his candidacy. He previously coached Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech, where they had a winning record, and worked with Kyler Murray during his tenure with the Cardinals. However, not everyone is impressed by Kingsbury’s history, as some point out his losing record with Mahomes.
Overall, the potential hiring of Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders could have significant implications for the team’s future, particularly in relation to their interest in drafting Caleb Williams as their franchise quarterback.
MAHOMES’ RECORD-BREAKING STATS:
Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star quarterback, has been dominating the field with his impressive passing skills. In 2015, Mahomes threw for a whopping 4,653 yards, and the following year, he outdid himself by throwing for an incredible 5,052 yards, according to Sports Reference. These numbers are truly remarkable and highlight Mahomes’ exceptional talent. His success can be attributed in part to Kliff Kingsbury’s innovative ‘Air Raid’ offense, which allowed Mahomes to throw an astounding 77 touchdown passes during his final two seasons with the Red Riders.
WILLIAMS: THE NEXT MAHOMES?
Kliff Kingsbury, known for his expertise in grooming elite QB prospects, has made an interesting comparison between Patrick Mahomes and Caleb Williams. Kingsbury recently shared his thoughts on this topic during a conversation with Arlington Renegades head coach Bob Stoops. He described Williams as “eerily similar” to Mahomes, the two-time NFL MVP who has led the Chiefs to four Super Bowl appearances in just six seasons. This comparison adds even more excitement to Williams’ potential as a top quarterback.
COMMANDERS’ QUEST FOR WILLIAMS:
Kingsbury, who played a crucial role in unlocking Williams’ talent during their time together at USC, is eager to continue their partnership with the Commanders. However, securing Williams won’t be easy. The Commanders may need to make a bold move and surpass the Chicago Bears to secure the first-overall pick in the draft. The buzz at the 2024 Senior Bowl suggests that the Bears are determined to hold onto that pick, making the Commanders’ task even more challenging.
BEARS’ DILEMMA:
While the Bears seem set on selecting Williams with the first pick, there are reasons they might consider trading down. One possibility is their belief in Justin Fields, their current quarterback, or their preference for North Carolina’s Drake Maye over Williams. If the Bears decide to trade down, the Commanders could be a suitable trade partner, especially if Kingsbury joins the coaching staff under Quinn. The Kingsbury and Williams partnership at USC resulted in impressive numbers, with 3,633 yards and 30 touchdown passes. Despite the chaotic season USC experienced, there is optimism surrounding Williams’ potential.
THE COMMANDERS’ DREAM:
Many fans, including ESPN’s Jason Reid, are hopeful that the Commanders will be able to secure Caleb Williams. Reid acknowledges the challenging season Williams had at USC, describing it as “a complete mess.” However, he believes that if the Commanders are able to acquire Williams and things work out, it would be a game-changer for the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia). The potential of having Williams on their team is truly exciting and could bring great success to the Commanders.
Kingsbury’s Double Act: Will it Last?
There is growing concern about the future of the dynamic duo of Kliff Kingsbury and Kyler Murray. While Murray has seen success under Kingsbury’s guidance, there are doubts about their ability to take it to the next level. Despite his impressive stats, Murray has yet to break the 4,000-yard mark and has only made the playoffs once.
This raises questions about whether gaudy statistics truly translate to wins for Kingsbury’s quarterbacks. To ease these concerns, the Commanders may consider hiring another quarterback-focused offensive coordinator. One potential candidate is Brock Purdy’s position coach from the San Francisco 49ers.
On the other hand, some believe that Kingsbury should solely focus on calling plays, leaving the overall team direction to someone else. This responsibility falls on Quinn, who must ensure that the right people are in place for key positions on the coaching staff.
As the future of this double act hangs in the balance, only time will tell if Kingsbury and Murray can overcome their past limitations and lead the Commanders to greater success.
James Dudko is a sports reporter covering the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and Baltimore Ravens.
