Following his appointment as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, Kliff Kingsbury remains tight-lipped about his involvement in shaping USC quarterback Caleb Williams during his tenure as the Trojans’ offensive coordinator.
“I prefer not to dissect his game at this moment,” Kingsbury remarked during his introductory press conference on Thursday, according to NFL.com’s Nick Shook. “Currently, my focus is on evaluating our own team and its composition. I will say, however, that I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him. Caleb is an exceptional individual, and my stint at USC was quite enjoyable.”
By joining the Commanders, Kingsbury positions himself favorably to potentially continue mentoring Williams. Washington holds the coveted No. 2 pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft and is undoubtedly in the market for a franchise quarterback.
In a recent mock draft by B/R’s NFL Scouting Department, it was projected that the Commanders could orchestrate a trade with the Chicago Bears for the top spot, aiming to secure Williams as their pick.
“It’s conceivable that the Commanders brought Kliff Kingsbury on board with the specific intention of acquiring Caleb Williams,” remarked Bleacher Report scout Derrik Klassen. “In such a scenario, irrespective of individual opinions on Kingsbury, Washington stands to gain significantly.”
The recipient of the 2022 Heisman Trophy, Williams flourished under Kingsbury’s guidance during their time together. Furthermore, Williams possesses the attributes that Kingsbury deems crucial for success at the NFL level.
“The qualities I seek in a quarterback are akin to those of the Chiefs quarterback,” quipped Kingsbury when pressed on the matter. “…I believe in today’s game, as evidenced by the performances of quarterbacks like Brock Purdy and Patrick Mahomes, mobility is paramount. When the stakes are high, the ability to maneuver and make plays with your legs becomes imperative.”
Williams undeniably embodies such characteristics, making it apparent that Kingsbury would welcome the opportunity to continue shaping his development at the professional level.
