Kliff Kingsbury is back in the NFL, and this time, he's heading to Los Angeles. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach is joining Sean McVay’s staff with the Rams, stepping into a new role on the offensive side of the ball.
It’s the latest chapter in what’s been a winding football journey for Kingsbury-a path that’s taken him from NFL quarterback to college coach to NFL head coach, and now back into a supporting role in one of the league’s most innovative offensive systems.
Kingsbury’s coaching résumé stretches back to 2008, but his football roots go even deeper. A former sixth-round pick by the New England Patriots, Kingsbury bounced around the league as a backup quarterback, with stops in New Orleans, Denver, New York (Jets), and Buffalo. He also logged time in NFL Europe and the CFL, giving him a truly global perspective on the game before ever donning a headset.
His coaching ascent began in the college ranks, where he made a name for himself as an offensive mind at Houston and Texas A&M. That led to a high-profile homecoming at Texas Tech, his alma mater.
Over six seasons in Lubbock, Kingsbury went 35-40, but the win-loss record only tells part of the story. He coached two future NFL starters in Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes, helping shape their early development in his high-octane system.
That offensive pedigree earned him a shot in the NFL with the Cardinals, where he served as head coach from 2019 to 2022. Kingsbury’s tenure in Arizona was a rollercoaster-he compiled a 28-37-1 record over four seasons, with one playoff appearance. That postseason run ended in the Wild Card round, ironically at the hands of the Rams, the same team he’s now joining.
After parting ways with Arizona following a disappointing 4-13 campaign in 2022, Kingsbury took a brief detour through the college ranks again, this time as an offensive analyst at USC. That stint led to a return to the NFL in 2024, when he was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders.
In Washington, Kingsbury was tasked with guiding rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels through his first season. And to his credit, he played a key role in Daniels’ early development, helping the young QB find his footing at the pro level.
But the Commanders’ season quickly unraveled, plagued by injuries and inconsistency. The offense struggled to stay on track, and the team never found its rhythm.
By the end of the season, Kingsbury was out once again.
Now, he lands in L.A., where he’ll have the chance to reset and reestablish himself in a more focused role. Working under McVay-one of the league’s sharpest offensive minds-could be the ideal environment for Kingsbury to refine his approach and contribute to a Rams team that’s looking to stay competitive in a loaded NFC.
Kingsbury brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and coach, and his offensive philosophy-rooted in the Air Raid but adapted over time-could mesh well with the Rams’ evolving attack. Whether he’s helping gameplan, developing quarterbacks, or adding another layer to McVay’s playbook, Kingsbury’s next chapter in Los Angeles is one worth watching.