Kingsbury, the former Arizona Cardinals head coach, spent the 2023 season out of the NFL but was on the sideline as a senior offensive analyst at USC, where Williams played his second and final season with the Trojans.

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner had a solid ’23 season with the help of Kingsbury; his completion percentage increased two points to 68.6 compared to his historic 2022 season. Williams also threw 12 fewer touchdowns than in 2022 and USC was uncompetitive at 8-5. Still, the QB’s performance was strong enough to justify his selection by the Bears at No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Kingsbury turned his season in Southern California into a gig with Dan Quinn’s Commanders. With Kingsbury, Quinn and No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels in tow, Washington saw significant improvement early, posting a 7-2 record behind the OC and do-it-all rookie QB. However, the Commanders are in the midst of a three-game losing streak while the NFL is playing catch-up with Daniels and Kingsbury’s offense with turnovers and a banged up backfield.

As Cardinals coach, Kingsbury was paired with Kyler Murray – like Williams, a No. 1 overall pick. Under her leadership, the Cardinals posted a 28-37-1 record in four years, had just one winning season and made one postseason appearance, defeating the wild-card rival Rams. Kingsbury was fired in 2022 after a 4-13 season.

If the Bears interview Kingsbury, it won’t be the first time. Chicago spoke with the ex-Cardinals coach as it interviewed candidates for its OC position in the 2024 offseason. The Bears instead opted for Waldron, who lasted half a season, while Washington added and capitalized on Kingsbury.

We’ll see if the two teams are a better fit this time around, as Bears general manager Ryan Poles and Co. send out feelers in the coming weeks.