Kliff Kingsbury’s NFL Future in Limbo After Giants Pass on OC Role
Kliff Kingsbury’s coaching journey has hit a tough patch. After parting ways with the Washington Commanders, the former offensive coordinator is finding the NFL job market colder than expected.
His latest setback? The New York Giants chose to go in a different direction, tapping Matt Nagy to take over play-calling duties and help shape the development of quarterback Jaxson Dart.
That decision marks another missed opportunity for Kingsbury, who’s now seen just one head-coaching interview this cycle and only two offensive coordinator conversations-neither of which led to a hire. For a coach who turned down head coaching offers just a year ago, it’s a jarring shift in momentum.
So what’s behind the league-wide hesitation?
The “Kliff Cliff” Effect
NFL analyst Ted Nguyen offered a pointed take that’s gained traction in league circles. He likened Kingsbury to a “GQ Greg Roman”-a coach with some early success and creative run-game concepts, but one whose system eventually hits a ceiling. Nguyen's assessment paints a picture of a coach whose schemes dazzle early but fade without evolution.
“Still young enough to change the narrative,” Nguyen added, leaving the door open for a reinvention-but the message was clear: Kingsbury’s current approach isn’t resonating with decision-makers.
The term “Kliff Cliff” has become shorthand for the trajectory of his offenses. They start fast, often leaning heavily on college-style concepts-lots of shotgun, tempo, and quarterback-centric pressure-but tend to stall out over time. The lack of in-game and in-season adjustments has been a recurring critique, and one that’s now impacting his job prospects.
A Breakup in Washington
Kingsbury’s split with the Commanders wasn’t just about results-it was philosophical. New head coach Dan Quinn wanted to pivot in a new direction offensively. According to reports, Kingsbury wasn’t willing to adapt during post-season meetings, leading to a mutual parting of ways.
In a surprising move, the Commanders opted to bring in David Blough, a former quarterback with no formal coaching experience, to help shape their offense. It’s a bold gamble, but it underscores just how far Kingsbury’s stock has fallen in the eyes of some teams. The message from Washington was clear: alignment matters more than résumé.
What’s Next for Kingsbury?
Right now, Kingsbury is facing the very real possibility of sitting out the 2026 season. That might not be the worst thing. A year away from the sideline could give him the space to reevaluate his offensive philosophy, study the evolving trends across the league, and come back with a more adaptable, modernized system.
Kingsbury still has age and experience on his side. He’s worked with high-level quarterbacks, designed explosive offenses, and knows how to build rapport with players.
But in today’s NFL, creativity has to be paired with flexibility. Teams want play-callers who can evolve-not just from season to season, but from week to week.
This chapter might be a setback, but it doesn’t have to be the final one. If Kingsbury can use this time to recalibrate and retool, there’s still a path back. The question now is whether he’s ready to embrace the changes the league is demanding-or if he’ll continue to ride the same wave that’s now left him on the outside looking in.