Breaking News: Arizona Cardinals Former
Coach Kliff Kingsbury Returns to the NFL as a Bench Coach
In a surprising move that has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads, former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury has returned to the NFL—this time in a very different role. After being let go by the Cardinals in January 2023, Kingsbury has re-entered the league as a bench coach with an undisclosed team, marking a surprising but strategic career shift.
Kingsbury, who was hired by the Cardinals in 2019 to lead a franchise in need of revitalization, has been the subject of intense scrutiny during and after his tenure. While his time as the head coach of the Cardinals was marked by highs and lows, there was no denying his reputation as an offensive innovator and a leader of a young team. Despite his initial success with quarterback Kyler Murray, the Cardinals never quite met expectations, which led to Kingsbury’s eventual dismissal after four seasons.
For those wondering what led to this unexpected return, sources close to the situation suggest that Kingsbury’s transition to the bench coaching role was driven by several factors, including his personal desire for professional growth and a redefined approach to football.
A Surprising Career Shift
Kliff Kingsbury’s hiring as a head coach by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 seemed like a bold and forward-thinking move. Known for his high-powered offense during his tenure at Texas Tech University, Kingsbury brought a fresh perspective to the NFL, emphasizing a pass-heavy attack and the use of modern analytics. Under Kingsbury, the Cardinals showed flashes of brilliance, particularly during the 2020 season when the team finished with an 8-8 record and nearly made the playoffs.
However, after failing to improve significantly over the following seasons, and with the team’s struggles in key games and underperforming in critical moments, Kingsbury faced mounting pressure. The Cardinals finished the 2022 season with a disappointing 4-13 record, culminating in his departure from the team.
Following his firing, Kingsbury was not immediately hired by another NFL team. This left many speculating whether his style of coaching was sustainable in the modern NFL or if his approach was too unrefined to handle the challenges of leading an NFL franchise. However, this new role as a bench coach may offer Kingsbury the opportunity to recalibrate and focus on refining his skills.
The Bench Coach Role Explained
While details about Kingsbury’s new team have not been officially confirmed, insiders reveal that the former head coach is stepping into a role that will allow him to focus on game-day strategy without the overarching responsibility of managing an entire franchise. In this capacity, Kingsbury is expected to work closely with the coaching staff, assisting with offensive game-planning, analyzing defensive tendencies, and supporting the development of young quarterbacks or other position players.
The move to become a bench coach is often a step for coaches who want to rebuild their reputation and learn from other experienced leaders within the coaching world. It is seen as a step backward in the coaching hierarchy, but one that can be essential for long-term career development. As a bench coach, Kingsbury can observe different coaching styles and adjust his approach, all while staying connected to the fast-paced, high-pressure world of NFL games.
This could provide him with the opportunity to learn from seasoned coaches, refine his leadership skills, and gain a better understanding of how to manage a team in a way that complements his offensive philosophy. It also allows him to step away from the spotlight and focus on the fundamental aspects of coaching that he might have missed during his time as a head coach.
Learning From the Best
Many former head coaches who have fallen out of favor with their previous teams have taken similar steps, serving as bench coaches or offensive/defensive coordinators before eventually finding success in new head coaching opportunities. Whether it’s a learning experience or a chance to redefine his coaching philosophy, Kingsbury’s move has been viewed as a step in the right direction.
It’s worth noting that Kingsbury isn’t the first coach to take a step back and reassess. Coaches like Mike McCarthy, who once led the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl, spent time as a consultant before landing the head coaching job with the Dallas Cowboys. Even former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels took a detour after his first stint as a head coach with the Denver Broncos.
By stepping down to a more supportive coaching role, Kingsbury can focus on developing the specific aspects of his coaching approach that might have been underappreciated or ignored during his time with the Cardinals. His expertise in developing quarterbacks, especially with his experience working with Kyler Murray, could be especially valuable for teams looking to nurture young talent at the position.
The Future of Kliff Kingsbury
Kingsbury’s move back into the NFL will likely spark new speculation about his future prospects. Will he return to the head coaching ranks someday? Could he find success as a coordinator first, following the same career trajectory as many of his coaching contemporaries?
As of now, Kingsbury’s return to the NFL is a question of development and adjustment. The pressure of being a head coach, with all the expectations and the spotlight, often obscures the importance of smaller, incremental improvements that come with time and experience. For now, Kingsbury has the chance to re-focus and rebuild his coaching resume.
His time as a bench coach will undoubtedly give him the space to refine his strategic vision, while offering a glimpse into the ever-evolving nature of coaching in the modern NFL. Whether this return to the sidelines leads to a second chance at head coaching remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Kliff Kingsbury is not done shaping the future of football just yet.
Conclusion
Kliff Kingsbury’s return to the NFL as a bench coach is a surprise, but it’s one that could prove to be a turning point in his career. With the chance to learn from other experienced coaches and develop his craft, Kingsbury is positioning himself for future success, whether it be in a coordinator role or, eventually, back in the head coaching ranks. For now, he’ll be watching from the sidelines—literally—awaiting his next opportunity in what is sure to be an intriguing new chapter.
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