College insider Bruce Feldman discussed Caleb Williams on The Rich Eisen Show recently. The topic of the Chicago Bears became inevitable since they hold the #1 overall pick. In Feldman’s view, if that is something the team aims to explore, then their pick for offensive coordinator should be an obvious one. That is former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Not only does he have plenty of playcalling experience, but he spent this past year on USC’s coaching staff. So he’s familiar with both the player and the person Williams is.
It is possible GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus are using this interview as a way to pick Kingsbury’s brain on the young quarterback, forming a profile of who they could be making their pick in April. Most people are wary of Kingsbury due to how things went for him in Arizona. Yes, it was ugly at the end, but the truth is the man wouldn’t be coming in as a head coach. He would be the offensive coordinator. Like him or hate him, Kingsbury has a strong track record, especially with quarterbacks.
He got Kyler Murray to two Pro Bowls with the Cardinals, posting top 10 offenses in both years. Patrick Mahomes morphed into the eventual 10th overall pick thanks to his time with Kingsbury at Texas Tech. Case Keenum set NCAA passing records in 2011 under his guidance at Houston.
Every bit of info the Bears can get on Caleb Williams is vital.
Kingsbury has an incredible eye for quarterbacks. He recruited Mahomes and Baker Mayfield to Texas Tech. His influence played a key role in drafting Murray to Arizona. The coach seems to have a unique grasp for how guys at the position are supposed to look and think. This likely comes from his own background as a quarterback. He is the right person to talk to about Williams’ mental makeup. The Bears need to know if the young man will be able to handle the pressure cooker of playing in Chicago.
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Even if he’s not in serious consideration for the job, this is a smart move by Poles and Eberflus. They know how incredibly important the quarterback decision will be this year. Caleb Williams has the physical talent to be a star at the NFL level. It comes down to whether he has the leadership, poise, and competitive fire to carry a team on his back. Kingsbury would know better than most. If he does get the job, that will be a monumental indication the Bears liked what they heard.
