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In the fast-paced world of American football, coaching careers can take unexpected turns. Kliff Kingsbury, a name synonymous with both playing and coaching, recently faced a significant change in his professional journey. In this article, we’ll delve into the life and career of Kliff Kingsbury, exploring the reasons behind his dismissal as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2022.
Who is Kliff Kingsbury?
Kliff Kingsbury, born on August 9, 1979, is an American football coach and former quarterback. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 220 pounds, he played college football at Texas Tech from 1998 to 2002. In the NFL Draft of 2003, he was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round. Throughout his playing career, Kingsbury also had stints with teams like the New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, and New York Jets.
Transitioning to coaching, he held various positions, including head coach for Texas Tech and the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. Currently, he serves as the Senior Offensive Analyst and Quarterbacks Coach at the University of Southern California since 2023. Known for coaching notable quarterbacks like Johnny Manziel, Patrick Mahomes, and Kyler Murray, Kingsbury has made significant contributions to both playing and coaching in football.
Why was Kliff Kingsbury Fired?
Kliff Kingsbury was fired as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals after four seasons due to a challenging 2022 season. The decision followed a seven-game losing streak that concluded with a defeat against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18. Despite initially leading the Cardinals to a postseason berth in 2021, Kingsbury faced criticism for his inability to elevate the team’s offense to a top-tier level.
Kingsbury, who also served as the offensive coordinator, struggled to manage both roles effectively at the professional level. The Cardinals’ owner, Michael Bidwill, will be paying out Kingsbury’s guaranteed contract through 2026, reflecting the financial commitment associated with the decision.
The Cardinals are now in the hunt for a new head coach, joining other NFL teams seeking new leadership. Potential candidates include names like Sean Payton, Shane Steichen, and Vance Joseph. The team may also be searching for a new general manager after Steve Keim’s departure for health-related reasons during the season.
The decision to part ways with Kingsbury indicates a desire for change within the organization, with the hope of finding a new coaching staff to guide the team to success in the upcoming seasons.
Kliff Kingsbury Career
Kliff Kingsbury’s journey in the world of football has been nothing short of remarkable. His coaching career began in 2008 at the University of Houston, where he started as a quality control staff member and later became co-offensive coordinator, earning recognition for the team’s offensive success. In 2012, he joined Texas A&M as offensive coordinator, coaching Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. Kingsbury returned to his alma mater, Texas Tech, as head coach in 2013, leading the team to a 7-0 start in his debut season. He continued to make significant contributions, but his tenure ended in 2018 with a 35-40 record.
After a brief stint at USC in 2018, Kingsbury took on the head coaching role for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL in 2019. He led the team to notable victories but was fired in 2023 after a challenging 4-13 season. Currently, Kingsbury is a senior offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach at USC under head coach Lincoln Riley. Throughout his career, Kingsbury has been known for coaching standout quarterbacks like Johnny Manziel, Patrick Mahomes, and Kyler Murray.
Kliff Kingsbury Air Raid
Kliff Kingsbury’s success with the Arizona Cardinals can be attributed to his adaptation of the Air Raid offense, previously criticized as simplistic and gimmicky. Despite skepticism due to his college coaching record, Kingsbury has transformed the Cardinals into the NFL’s only undefeated team. Key additions like A.J. Green and Rondale Moore have bolstered the offense, allowing quarterback Kyler Murray to thrive.
Murray’s impressive stats, including a 76.1% completion rate and dynamic play against blitzes, highlight the effectiveness of Kingsbury’s offensive strategy. The running game, led by Chase Edmonds and James Conner, adds versatility, making the Cardinals a formidable force. Kingsbury’s evolution in building a winning team has silenced critics and showcased the Air Raid’s adaptability at the professional level.
Kliff Kingsbury Texas Tech Record
During his college playing career at Texas Tech, Kliff Kingsbury showcased impressive skills, completing 1,229 of 1,881 passes for 12,423 yards. Over 43 games, he threw 95 touchdowns and 40 interceptions. Kingsbury’s outstanding performance earned him 39 school records, 13 Big 12 Conference records, and 7 NCAA FBS records. His achievements at Texas Tech laid the foundation for a successful career in football, both as a player and later as a coach in the NFL.
Kliff Kingsbury Net Worth
Kliff Kingsbury, the accomplished football coach, boasts an estimated net worth of $15 million as of 2024. Born on August 9, 1979, in Texas, Kingsbury gained recognition as a record-setting quarterback for the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 1998 to 2002. Transitioning to coaching, he became the head coach of the same team in 2013. Known for his coaching prowess, Kingsbury’s wealth reflects his success and contributions to the football world. His $15 million net worth highlights his standing as a highly valued and prosperous figure in the football coaching realm.
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Why was Kliff Kingsbury Fired? – FAQs
- Who is Kliff Kingsbury? Kliff Kingsbury is an American football coach and former quarterback, known for coaching teams like Texas Tech and the Arizona Cardinals.
- Why was Kliff Kingsbury fired from the Arizona Cardinals? Kingsbury was fired due to a challenging 2022 season, marked by a seven-game losing streak and criticism for offensive struggles.
- What is Kliff Kingsbury’s coaching style? Kingsbury is known for adapting the Air Raid offense, transforming the Cardinals into the NFL’s only undefeated team in 2021.
- What is Kliff Kingsbury’s net worth? As of 2024, Kliff Kingsbury’s net worth is estimated to be $15 million, reflecting his success as a football coach.
- Where is Kliff Kingsbury currently coaching? Since 2023, Kliff Kingsbury has been serving as the Senior Offensive Analyst and Quarterbacks Coach at the University of Southern California.