Adam Schefter hints at Commanders interest in Caleb Williams after hiring Kliff Kingsbury

The Washington Commanders made a big splash on Sunday, hiring former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury as the team’s new offensive coordinator under Dan Quinn. After being in line for the Raiders’ offensive coordinator job, Kingsbury seemingly flipped his choice to the Commanders, who happen to own the No. 2 pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.

The former Texas Tech head coach is coming off of a one-year stint as an analyst at USC, where he worked with 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams at quarterback. Williams is speculated to be the possible No. 1 pick in the draft for the Bears, but with Kingsbury’s hiring in D.C., the new buzz is about how the Commanders might acquire the first overall selection to nab the Trojans star.

“Let the speculation begin: Kliff Kingsbury coached Caleb Williams last season,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter posted on Sunday. “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.”

Either by Chicago choosing not to take Williams or by trading down with the Commanders for pick No. 1, Washington could end up with their quarterback of the future. The Bears will have to make a definitive decision on Justin Fields‘ future before then.

The Trojans quarterback learned of the news about his former coach and took to his Instagram story to offer his congratulations. He posted a photo of the news along with the caption, “my dawg congrats.”

Kingsbury to take over Commanders offense

Kingsbury was previously the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2019-22. He led them to a 28-37 record in that span with one playoff appearance and coached the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year in Kyler Murray.

Kingsbury was an offensive analyst for USC this past season, mainly working with the quarterbacks. He helped Williams throw for 3,663 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 68.6% of his passes.

The Trojans began the year with national championship aspirations and started 6-0. However, they went on to lose five of their final six games to close the regular season and ended the year 8-5.

The Commanders are coming off of a 4-13 season and recently hired Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their next head coach. Sam Howell started for them this past season, so the team may be content to keep him, but it’s an interesting scenario to think about.

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.