When Kliff Kingsbury was fired as head coach of the Cardinals last January, his coaching future was in doubt. However, he found himself back in the NFL this offseason and his tenure as offensive coordinator of the Commanders has been impressive to date.
“I really didn’t think I was ever going to coach again,” Kingsbury recalled during an interview with Sam Fortier of the Washington Post. “It was set up so perfectly just to ride off into the sunset.”
The 45-year-old served as coach of the Cardinals from 2019-22, with his first three campaigns producing year-over-year improvement in the win-loss department. The final campaign of that tenure produced a 4-13 record, though, and it came as little surprise when the organization cleaned house. Kingsbury took a trip to Thailand while contemplating his future before ultimately taking a gig on Lincoln Riley‘s USC staff for the 2023 season.
That one-and-done tenure did not produce a desire to remain at the college level on a full-time basis. Kingsbury — Texas Tech’s head coach for six years — noted he does not intend to return to the NCAA level soon. During the winter, he drew considerable interest in the NFL coordinator market, interviewing with the Bears and Eagles. Kingsbury added he was prepared to take those gigs, but both teams went differently.
A deal appeared to be in place with the Raiders for their offensive coordinator spot. The agreement fell through, however, and Kingsbury’s interview reveals Vegas offered him a two-year contract. He was aiming for a three-year pact, and that sticking point paved the way for Dan Quinn hiring him to lead Washington’s offense. While minority owner Magic Johnson was initially believed to have played a role in Kingsbury winding up in the nation’s capital, Kingsbury confirmed that was not the case.
Using second-overall pick Jayden Daniels at quarterback right away during his rookie season, the Commanders have impressed so far on offense. Washington ranks fifth in scoring and sixth in yardage, and the team has not punted over the past two games. Daniels has yet to commit to a turnover, and remaining comfortable with Kingsbury’s scheme could allow Washington to exceed expectations. In that event, Kingsbury’s head coaching stock could become something to monitor for future hiring cycles.
