Kliff Kingsbury's track record shows why he's viewed as a hot OC commodity

With multiple NFL teams looking for a new offensive identity, Kliff Kingsbury's name keeps coming up. Reports are suggesting the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders are considering hiring Kingsbury as offensive coordinator. He was linked to Chicago before it hired Shane Waldron as OC. 

So, why is Kingsbury such a hot commodity?  

While some may view Kingsbury as an old name, he’s still young. The 44-year-old has a track record of leading successful offenses. Say what you want about Kingsbury as a head coach — he went 28-37-1 over four regular seasons with the Cardinals — but as an offensive mind, he would be a solid hire for any team seeking an OC. 

Kingsbury runs a version of the “Air Raid” offense that is used throughout the NFL and college. His offense works best with a mobile quarterback. Contrary to what some may think of the “Air Raid,” Kingsbury has shown an interest in letting the run game set up the pass and will use multiple backs on the ground. 

Kingsbury's offenses clicked during his playing days at Texas Tech and as a coach at Houston, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, with the Arizona Cardinals and most recently at USC. The reason losses piled up for his teams is poor defense. That’s likely why his name hasn’t been brought up as a head-coaching option this hiring cycle, as it had in past years. 

At USC, where Kingsbury served as senior offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach, Caleb Williams threw for 3,633 yards with 30 touchdowns and only five picks to cap off his college career. The Trojans’ offense ranked 11th in yards per game (466.6) in the FBS last season.

Despite the prospects of drafting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, the Bears didn't hire Kingsbury. Maybe that hints they are keeping QB Justin Fields, but Kingsbury would have made sense because Fields has a style similar to that of Kyler Murray, Kingsbury's QB in Arizona. Murray — who earned two Pro Bowl nods under Kingsbury with the Cardinals — hasn't been the same since the Cardinals fired Kingsbury in January 2023.

Kingsbury could help Jalen Hurts get back to the form that helped Philadelphia win the NFC just a year ago. An athletic quarterback who also can throw deep paired with Kingsbury can be a recipe for success. Kingsbury would offer a style of play that Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, who still has plenty to prove, would benefit from. 

Kingsbury’s age, track record and ability to work with quarterbacks similar to what teams with OC openings have added up to him as the perfect fit in multiple places. The Steelers, in particular, should be interested.