The New Orleans Saints’ three scheduled interviews for this Friday and Saturday have now dropped to two. Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has chosen to prioritize planning for the Commanders’ upcoming playoff game with the top-seed Detroit Lions over interviewing for any head coaching opportunities, including meetings with the Saints and Chicago Bears.
Reports say Kingsbury plans to maintain this stance for as long as Washington is in the playoffs. Though it isn’t a requirement for coaches to do so via league rules, Kingsbury’s decision feels like the appropriate course of action for prospective coaches. All time should be spent fine tuning a game plan for a win-or-go-home matchup.
However, because the league doesn’t require this, it may put him behind in the race for a head coaching position. This could be the reason NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggests this decision “increases the chances that Kliff Kingsbury returns to the Commanders as offensive coordinator for next year.”
In addition to the Saints, the Chicago Bears had also placed a request to interview Kingsbury. Kingsbury’s interviews will proceed with any vacancies once Washington’s season is over. That could be as soon as this Monday or until after the Super Bowl in February.