Kliff Kingsbury is heading back to the NFL sidelines, this time with the Los Angeles Rams. According to reports, the former Commanders offensive coordinator is joining Sean McVay’s staff in an offensive role-though the specifics of that role haven’t been made public just yet.
It’s an intriguing move, and one that caught some around the league off guard. Kingsbury had recently been in the mix for a couple of offensive coordinator jobs, including interviews with the Giants and Ravens.
He was reportedly a strong candidate for both, which makes his decision to join the Rams in a lesser-defined capacity all the more interesting. But it also speaks to where Kingsbury is in his coaching journey-less about titles, more about growth.
At 46, Kingsbury’s coaching path has already taken him through just about every level of the game. He got his first major shot in 2013 as the head coach at Texas Tech, his alma mater, where he spent six seasons.
His time in Lubbock was marked by high-octane offenses and plenty of quarterback development, but the results were mixed overall. Kingsbury went 35-40 with the Red Raiders, making three bowl appearances before being let go.
That led to a brief stint at USC-very brief. He was hired as the Trojans’ offensive coordinator but resigned after just a month when NFL interest came calling. The Arizona Cardinals moved quickly to bring him in as their head coach, betting on his offensive mind and quarterback-friendly approach.
In Arizona, Kingsbury had flashes of success. He went 26-33-1 over four seasons and helped guide the Cardinals to one playoff appearance.
But inconsistency and a second-half slide in his final season led to his dismissal. From there, he returned to USC in a more focused role, serving as the quarterbacks coach before making his way back to the NFL in 2024 as Washington’s offensive coordinator.
That stop in D.C. was short-lived. The Commanders parted ways with Kingsbury on Tuesday after just one season.
Now, he’s headed west to join a Rams team that has long been known for its offensive innovation under McVay. And while we don’t yet know exactly what Kingsbury’s responsibilities will be, the pairing makes a lot of sense on paper.
McVay has a reputation for surrounding himself with sharp offensive minds, and Kingsbury brings a wealth of experience-from college head coach to NFL play-caller to quarterback developer.
This move could be a strategic reset for Kingsbury. Rather than jumping straight back into a coordinator job, he’s stepping into a system where he can continue to evolve, learn, and contribute without the pressure of being the top offensive voice. And in McVay’s offense, there’s plenty of room for creativity and collaboration.
For the Rams, it’s another savvy addition to a coaching staff that’s already known for developing talent-both on the field and on the sidelines. And for Kingsbury, it’s a chance to recalibrate, reconnect with the game, and possibly set the stage for his next big opportunity down the line.