Getty Image
Former USC analyst Kliff Kingsbury is headed back to the NFL, and his Trojans quarterback was one of the first to publicly congratulate him.
Caleb Williams re-posted news that his old coach would soon be calling plays for the Commanders to his Instagram account on Sunday, sparking immediate draft speculation. Will Williams reunite with Kingsbury in Washington?
The duo spent just one season together in Los Angeles after Kingsbury joined Lincoln Riley’s 2023 staff. Prior, he’d been the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
Commanders are hiring Kliff Kingsbury as their new offensive coordinator, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 5, 2024
Now, he’s on his way back to the big leagues as he looks to revive his NFL career – and potentially mold another star QB!
With the Cardinals, he nabbed Kyler Murray with his No. 1 pick in 2019. The two had an extensive history dating back to Kingsbury’s time at Texas Tech.
Not only did he attempt to lure Murray to Lubbock as a high school senior, but he gave it a second shot when the signal caller transferred from Texas A&M.
Kingsbury was unsuccessful on both occasions, but he wouldn’t be denied his third time around.
Will history repeat itself in 2024?
The top passer in this year’s draft class is USC star Caleb Williams, and a pre-existing relationship has many pegging Kingsbury’s new team as a strong contender to land his services.
Washington currently holds the No. 2 pick in the NFL Draft, and reporter Adam Schefter believes they could try to get the top spot.
“Let the speculation begin: Kliff Kingsbury coached Caleb Williams last season. Williams was a standout QB at Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C. The Commanders currently hold the No. 2 overall pick and are in striking distance of the No. 1 pick that belongs to Chicago.”
Caleb Williams congratulated Kliff Kingsbury
Further driving that speculation was Williams’ immediate response to the news.
He took to Instagram to express his congratulations, writing, “My Dawg, congrats,” alongside a photoshopped image of Kingsbury in a Commanders pullover.
Caleb Williams congratulates Kliff Kingsbury on getting the #Commanders OC job: pic.twitter.com/mBbr5ityH2
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 5, 2024
The Commanders may or may not be in the market for a signal caller. Not long ago, they took a shot on Sam Howell out of North Carolina. His stint in Washington has been up and down thus far, and mostly down.
Howell led the league in interceptions last season while posting a 4-13 record as a starter. Are they ready to move on after his first full season at the helm?
Many believe Caleb Williams is a can’t-miss prospect, which could sway the Commanders’ decision to start fresh with their new staff – particularly given this new Kliff Kingsbury connection!
Washington holds the second pick, but they might need to make a deal with the Bears if they want to land Williams. How much would they be willing to give up for Kingsbury to potentially land his guy?