The Chicago Bears have become a trendy destination for Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury in 2025 after dismissing Matt Eberflus. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars could also pursue him if they dismiss Doug Pederson. If that's the case, a prominent NFL says the Jags would be the better option of the two.
Jeremy Fowler discussed what he's hearing around the league ahead of Week 14. He says that Jacksonville could be a more intriguing destination than the Bears in the next hiring cycle, pointing out that the Jaguars offer a more favorable situation, including the presence of quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
" I suspect Kingsbury will be a candidate in Chicago, which might be his best chance. The Bears already have intel on him after interviewing him twice to be their offensive coordinator in January. But Chicago will interview many candidates and undergo a thorough process, so it's early to say what kind of player he'll be for that job.
A far as jobs that could be more attractive than what the Bears offer, perhaps Jacksonville is the answer. Should the Jaguars' head-coaching and general manager jobs open at season's end, that could be a better place to go, thanks to a weaker division, a long-term quarterback in place and the chance to build something from the ground up."
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that Kingsbury is the Bears' preferred candidate to fill their head coach vacancy after dismissing Eberflus earlier this season. Other candidates for their opening are the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, their defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and former Tennesse Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
Kingsbury was the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals for four years before getting the boot in 2023. Aside from making just one playoff appearance, he got the boot because he couldn't turn the Cards' offense into a powerhouse, and his relationship with quarterback Kyler Murray soured.
After spending a season back in the collegiate ranks, Kingsbury returned to the NFL as the offensive coordinator for the Commanders. In Washington, he's become a hot name for the next hiring cycle after turning first-year quarterback Jayden Daniels into an Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.
The Jaguars will have choices besides Kliff Kingsbury to replace Doug Pederson
Head coach Doug Pederson has been the subject of speculation because the Jacksonville Jaguars aren't doing great this season and will miss the playoffs for the second straight year. It's not a given that the team will move on from him, but if they do, Bill Belichick has been brought up as his likely replacement. That said, they'll have no shortage of options if they're in the market for a head coach next year.
Like the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville could pursue offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. That said, they must cast a wide net in their search for Pederson's potential replacement. Working in their favor is that they have an enviable cap situation, a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, lots of draft picks, and talent at key positions. As Jeremy Fowler noted, that would make them an appealing destination for most candidates.
Another thing that could incentivize Kingsbury or anybody else is that the Jaguars have a patient owner in Shad Khan who won't meddle with team affairs. That won't be the case for other openings. On the other hand, the presence of general manager Trent Baalke could be a potential turnoff. He doesn't seem to be on great terms with Doug Pederson and has a reputation for being difficult to work with around the league. That said, the positives certainly outweigh the negatives.
At this point, though, it's too early in the process to tell how things have played out. Kliff Kingsbury comes with his own set of pros and cons, but if the Jacksonville Jaguars set their sights on him, their resources should give them an edge over other clubs.