Former Cardinals Coach Named Candidate for OC Job

ARIZONA -- Many figured it wouldn't be long before former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury made his way back to the NFL.

After spending one season at the college level, Kingsbury is a rumored name to return to the pros as an offensive coordinator for defensive-minded head coaches this offseason.

Along with Kingsbury, fellow college coaches Chip Kelly and Jedd Fisch are expected to gain interest heading into the 2024 offseason according to Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer, who shared the info on the morning broadcast prior to Week 17's early slate beginning.

Kliff Kingsbury (USC), Chip Kelly (UCLA), and Jedd Fisch (Arizona) are a few of the names defensive head coaches are looking at, per @JayGlazer.
— Chuck Harris (@chuckh3) December 31, 2023

Per @JayGlazer former Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury and Arizona HC Jedd Fisch are potential offensive coordinator candidates for defensive minded head coaching hires.
— Ryan Gutierrez (@RGutie7) December 31, 2023

Kingsbury has also reportedly been a candidate to remain in the college ranks to be the head coach at Houston. He spent this past season with USC as their senior offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach.

Prior, he coached the Arizona Cardinals to a 28-37-1 record in the four years he spent in the desert (2019-22). Kingsbury was a big proponent of bringing Kyler Murray to the organization and led the team to one playoff appearance before being fired ahead of the 2023 offseason.

After being fired, Kingsbury reportedly interviewed with the Houston Texans for their vacant OC position and held interest from the New England Patriots before joining Lincoln Riley at Southern Cal.

Kingsbury made his mark coaching at Texas Tech from 2013-18, forming one of the best offenses in the country with the Red Raiders despite his overall 35-40 record as head coach.

He was fired from Texas Tech before ultimately landing in Arizona after being picked by owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Steve Keim - who was also canned after 2022.

Current head coach openings exist with the Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers. HC openings and likely more OC opportunities will unfold as the regular season comes to a close, too.