The NFL offseason is a time of transition, with teams constantly evaluating their leadership structures, coaching staffs, and player personnel. For the Chicago Bears, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, this offseason promises to be pivotal as they look to build on recent improvements. One name that has recently emerged in connection with the Bears is former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who is reportedly expected to interview for the team’s vacant head coaching position.
Kingsbury’s potential interview has generated a significant amount of buzz within the NFL community, especially considering the Bears’ long-standing struggles to find consistency and success at the head coach position. The Bears have been without a permanent head coach since they parted ways with Matt Nagy after the 2021 season, and many fans and analysts are hoping that this latest search could lead to the right fit. But what exactly would Kliff Kingsbury bring to the table for Chicago? And how would his hiring shape the Bears’ future?
### A Brief Look Back at Kliff Kingsbury’s Coaching Career
Before diving into the potential impact Kingsbury could have on the Bears, it’s important to take a brief look at his coaching career thus far. Kliff Kingsbury first rose to prominence as a college football head coach at Texas Tech University, where he was known for his high-powered, pass-heavy offense. While his teams at Texas Tech were often competitive, Kingsbury’s tenure was marked by inconsistency. Despite producing some high-profile NFL talent, including quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield, Kingsbury struggled to elevate the program into the upper echelons of college football.
In 2019, the Arizona Cardinals hired Kingsbury as their head coach, making him the latest in a long line of young, offensive-minded coaches looking to change the fortunes of struggling franchises. Kingsbury’s hiring was met with some skepticism, as he was coming off a less-than-impressive stint in college football, but the Cardinals were looking for a change after years of mediocrity.
In Arizona, Kingsbury quickly implemented an up-tempo, pass-heavy offense, which was built around young quarterback Kyler Murray. Under Kingsbury, the Cardinals’ offense was dynamic, featuring an array of weapons that took advantage of Murray’s mobility and playmaking ability. The team made notable strides during Kingsbury’s tenure, even making the playoffs in 2021, but inconsistency and a series of second-half collapses ultimately led to his dismissal at the end of the 2022 season.
While his time in Arizona wasn’t without its flaws, Kingsbury’s offensive acumen, along with his ability to develop young quarterbacks, made him an intriguing candidate for other head coaching roles. His experience with high-powered offenses could be of particular interest to teams like the Chicago Bears, who have a young quarterback in Justin Fields that they need to develop into a franchise player.
### Kliff Kingsbury’s Fit with the Bears
So, what exactly could Kliff Kingsbury bring to the table if he were to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears?
#### 1. **Developing Justin Fields**
One of the biggest reasons why the Bears are considering Kingsbury as a potential candidate is his proven track record of working with young quarterbacks. While his time in Arizona didn’t always result in sustained success, Kingsbury did help develop Kyler Murray into a Pro Bowl-caliber player, and he has a deep understanding of how to design offenses that highlight a quarterback’s strengths.
For Chicago, this is crucial. Justin Fields, who has shown flashes of brilliance but still needs refining, would stand to benefit greatly from an offensive-minded coach like Kingsbury. Fields’ dual-threat abilities—his arm strength, mobility, and athleticism—could be harnessed in a way similar to how Kingsbury used Murray’s unique skill set in Arizona. Under Kingsbury’s tutelage, Fields would have the opportunity to grow into a more complete quarterback, with a system designed to maximize his talents.
#### 2. **Offensive System and Scheme**
The Bears have long struggled to establish a consistent offensive identity. Over the years, the team has cycled through multiple offensive coordinators and schemes, yet the results have often been disappointing. Hiring an offensive-minded head coach like Kingsbury could be the solution to this problem.
Kingsbury’s system is predicated on quick passes, utilizing the short-to-intermediate areas of the field, and spreading the defense out with multiple receiving options. His offense has been particularly effective at creating mismatches with skilled players, and given the Bears’ potential at the skill positions, including Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet, Kingsbury’s system could be a perfect fit. His focus on pace and rhythm could also help the Bears’ offense operate more efficiently, particularly when paired with a quarterback who can process information quickly and make decisions on the move.
#### 3. **Revamping the Bears’ Offense**
While the defense has often been the strength of the Bears in recent years, their offense has lagged behind. The Bears ranked near the bottom of the league in many offensive categories in 2022, and their inability to consistently move the ball has led to a lack of overall success. If Kingsbury is hired, he would need to overhaul the offense and infuse it with modern, dynamic concepts that take advantage of what Chicago already has on the roster.
Kingsbury’s offensive philosophy could provide the spark the Bears need. His emphasis on fast tempo, quick throws, and a focus on building the offense around the quarterback’s skill set could transform the way the team plays on that side of the ball. Moreover, Kingsbury’s ability to adapt his offense based on the talent at his disposal would allow him to tailor the system to fit the strengths of the Bears’ personnel.
#### 4. **Rebuilding the Team’s Culture**
One of the key takeaways from Kingsbury’s time in Arizona was his ability to change the culture of a franchise that had been stuck in mediocrity for years. Under his leadership, the Cardinals began to show signs of progress, including two playoff appearances in three years. While his tenure ended without a Super Bowl appearance, Kingsbury instilled a sense of optimism and direction in Arizona that had been missing for a long time.
For the Bears, hiring Kingsbury could be part of a larger effort to turn around the culture of the organization. Chicago has not made the playoffs in over five years, and the team has struggled to find sustained success. Kingsbury’s leadership, along with his experience with young quarterbacks and building a competitive team, could help bring the Bears out of their slump and into a new era of football.
### The Verdict: Is Kliff Kingsbury the Right Choice for the Bears?
While there are certainly some questions about Kingsbury’s ability to succeed in the NFL without a top-tier quarterback, there is no denying his potential as an offensive mind. His system and experience could be exactly what the Bears need to get the most out of Justin Fields and turn their offense into a potent, high-scoring unit.
Ultimately, the decision to hire Kingsbury will come down to whether the Bears believe his offensive philosophy aligns with their long-term vision. If they do, Kingsbury could be the next piece in their puzzle—a coach who can develop young talent and transform a struggling franchise into a perennial contender.