Things change quickly in the NFL. Another reminder of that is that Kliff Kingsbury is now heading to Washington to be the Commanders‘ offensive coordinator, just mere days after reportedly being on board to join the Las Vegas Raiders in the same capacity.
With the change of plans for the former USC coach solidified, does that change what the top of the draft board looks like as far as Caleb Williams is concerned? Many believe Williams will be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, and while he still could be, could Washington now be the ones to make the selection?
Will the Washington Commanders Draft Caleb Williams?
Familiarity is a key part of the NFL team-building process. You see new coaches bring people into the fold that they know and trust almost daily. The same could be said with players as well.
With Kingsbury now heading to DC, that move has got the rumor mill spinning rapidly as people begin to speculate what it could mean for Williams.
Kingsbury spent last year at USC assisting Williams as a senior offensive analyst. During that time, both he and Williams built a rapport that some believe could carry into the NFL.
Kliff Kingsbury and Caleb Williams package deal? 👀 #HTTC | #FightOn✌️ pic.twitter.com/LhZ2jVMbD9
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) February 5, 2024
It’s that familiarity that has many wondering if Washington will decide to do what it can to move up one spot to take Williams instead of the Chicago Bears.
There are several factors in play, chief among them being how Chicago decides to handle the Justin Fields situation, coupled with how they may feel about Williams as a prospect. If the Bears are settled on going in a different direction, it may entice them to deal with the Commanders to move down a spot and collect picks in the process.
Another factor is if this is even Washington’s intentions at all, or if the Kingsbury signing is more of a coincidence than a concrete plan to go and get Williams. No matter what the facts are right now, parallels between Williams and the Kingsbury hire are going to be drawn.
It would be a bold move for newly hired head coach Dan Quinn to come in, trade up to pick No. 1, and take the QB that is widely viewed as the best in the class. It would take conviction, familiarity, and an elite-level prospect to do it.
Kingsbury’s Coaching History
Kingsbury began his coaching career following a brief playing career that included stops with the Patriots, Saints, Broncos, Jets, and Bills, and ended with a year in the CFL with the Montreal Alouettes and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Despite the abbreviated playing career that did not offer much success or stability, Kingsbury has been able to find more stable ground as a coach.
He started his coaching career with the Houston Cougars as an offensive quality control coach before being bumped up to be the program’s co-offensive coordinator and QBs coach.
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Following his four seasons in Houston, Kingsbury went on to Texas A&M where he would be the OC and QBs coach for one season. From there, he would spend six seasons as Texas Tech’s head coach before breaking back into the NFL as the Arizona Cardinals’ HC.
Kingsbury coached in Arizona from 2019 to 2022, before being in his most recent role with the USC Trojans.
Now back in the NFL calling plays, Kingsbury may try to bring in a familiar face with him in this new opportunity.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!