Kliff Kingsbury’s NFL Journey: From Arizona to Washington

by

Feb 5, 2024

Kliff Kingsbury’s NFL career has been nothing short of intriguing, with many describing it as a rollercoaster ride. However, it’s important to assess his journey more objectively. While some may label it a disaster, it’s not entirely fair to Cliff Kingsbury, given the circumstances and challenges he faced along the way.

Kingsbury’s NFL odyssey began when he made the jump from coaching at Texas Tech to becoming the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. This transition raised eyebrows, as he had never coached in the NFL before. Nevertheless, he managed to lead the Cardinals to the postseason during his tenure, showcasing his potential in the league.

But then, a surprise twist occurred when Kingsbury was briefly linked to the Las Vegas Raiders as their offensive coordinator. However, that didn’t materialize, and he eventually found himself in a new role as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders.

When it comes to betting odds for the 2025 Super Bowl, Las Vegas oddsmakers are giving the Raiders 75 to 1 odds, while the Commanders are at 150 to 1. This disparity reflects the varying levels of optimism surrounding Kingsbury’s new ventures.

In Las Vegas, Kingsbury would have reunited with Antonio Pierce and brought his offensive expertise to a team with promising offensive pieces. 

On the other hand, the Washington Commanders settled on Dan Quinn as their head coach after pursuing Kingsbury. Quinn, who had previous NFL coaching success with the Atlanta Falcons, was their backup plan. Nevertheless, Kingsbury’s innovative offensive approach could have been seen as a valuable addition to Washington’s efforts to revitalize their franchise.

While Kingsbury’s stint as the Cardinals’ head coach had its ups and downs, his offensive system and creativity could be assets to a team looking for a fresh start, like the Commanders. However, there are also concerns that Kingsbury might be better suited as an offensive coordinator, allowing him to focus solely on his play-calling and strategy.

In hindsight, it’s evident that the fit with Las Vegas might not have been ideal, given the competitive nature of their division. Washington, despite some skepticism, presents an opportunity for Kingsbury to make a meaningful impact, particularly if he can harness his offensive prowess to transform the team’s fortunes.

In the end, Kingsbury’s journey in the NFL has been marked by both successes and setbacks. As he takes on a new role in Washington, the football world watches with anticipation, wondering if he can bring the innovation and spark that the Commanders need to rise in the league ranks. Only time will tell if Kingsbury’s next chapter will be a triumphant one.

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Thumbnail photo via Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

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