BOMBSHELL: Kliff Kingsbury Bides Time, Will Not Interview for HC Jobs Until Commanders…..Read more
As the 2025 NFL offseason begins, former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury is reportedly taking a cautious approach to his next career move. After a turbulent exit from the Cardinals, where he was let go following a 4-13 season in 2023, Kingsbury has since been linked to several head coaching opportunities. However, sources close to Kingsbury have confirmed that he will not interview for any head coaching positions until after the Washington Commanders’ season concludes.
This decision has raised questions about his next steps, as many are curious whether Kingsbury is eyeing a return to a head coaching role or if he is looking for an opportunity in another capacity. While the announcement might seem unusual, it signals that Kingsbury is being strategic in how he navigates his return to the NFL coaching ranks.
Kliff Kingsbury’s Recent Coaching History
Kliff Kingsbury’s tenure with the Arizona Cardinals was marked by both promise and frustration. Hired in 2019, Kingsbury came to Arizona with an innovative offensive mind and the hope of reviving a Cardinals franchise that had not found consistent success in recent years. His air-raid offense was seen as a breath of fresh air in the NFL, and the team’s early results under his leadership were promising, especially with the emergence of quarterback Kyler Murray.
However, despite flashes of brilliance, Kingsbury’s tenure in Arizona was ultimately defined by inconsistency. The team failed to meet expectations, and the 2023 season ended in disappointment, with the Cardinals finishing with a 4-13 record. This led to Kingsbury’s dismissal, despite being under contract for a few more years.
Kingsbury’s firing left many in the NFL community wondering what his next move would be. Known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and his progressive offensive schemes, Kingsbury remained a sought-after name in coaching circles. As various teams began looking for a new head coach or offensive coordinator, Kingsbury was mentioned frequently as a candidate.
Why the Delay in Interviewing for HC Jobs?
It has now been revealed that Kingsbury’s decision to wait until after the Washington Commanders’ season before entertaining head coaching interviews is a conscious one. Sources close to him say that the former head coach is prioritizing a potential job opportunity with the Commanders and has no interest in pursuing other opportunities before knowing how the Commanders’ coaching situation unfolds.
The timing of this decision is notable for a couple of reasons. First, the Commanders are in a unique position. With their ownership under new leadership, the team is likely to make significant changes, and the search for a new head coach could be imminent. The Commanders’ current head coach, Ron Rivera, is entering a critical year in which he will need to demonstrate results to keep his job. Should Rivera be let go during or after the 2025 season, Kingsbury could be in prime position to step in and take over, particularly given his offensive expertise and past success with quarterbacks like Kyler Murray.
Another factor in Kingsbury’s decision is that he may want to avoid being caught up in the noise of an already crowded head coach search market. Teams like the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, and others may be seeking to make changes at head coach, and Kingsbury may feel that waiting until the Commanders’ situation is clearer will give him a better sense of where he fits into the overall coaching landscape.
By focusing on the Commanders’ coaching situation first, Kingsbury is setting himself up for a more targeted approach to his next move. In a crowded field, this strategy could also help him avoid rushing into a situation that might not be the right fit.
The Commanders and Kingsbury’s Potential Fit
If the Washington Commanders do decide to part ways with Ron Rivera, Kingsbury could be an intriguing candidate to take over. The Commanders have long been in search of a more modern, dynamic offensive approach, and Kingsbury’s offensive acumen could provide exactly that.
Under Rivera, the Commanders have struggled with consistency on offense. Quarterback play has been inconsistent, and the team has lacked a clear identity offensively. While the defense has often been the strength of the team, the offense has hindered the team’s playoff aspirations year after year.
Kingsbury, known for his success with young quarterbacks, could help turn around the Commanders’ offense. The franchise has young quarterbacks like Sam Howell, who has shown promise but has yet to reach his potential. Kingsbury’s system, which values up-tempo play and quick decision-making, could complement Howell’s skill set and help the young quarterback develop. Moreover, Kingsbury’s experience with working with dual-threat quarterbacks like Kyler Murray could bode well for Howell’s progression.
Furthermore, Kingsbury’s offensive philosophy could help bring new energy to a team that is hoping to establish itself as a contender in the NFC East. His creative play-calling, particularly with his ability to design passing plays that attack all areas of the field, could help the Commanders become a more balanced and potent offense.
What Does This Mean for Kingsbury’s Future?
Kingsbury’s decision to hold off on interviews for head coaching positions shows that he is taking a thoughtful and calculated approach to his next move. Rather than jumping at the first opportunity that presents itself, he is waiting for the right fit. After a disappointing end to his time with the Cardinals, Kingsbury likely wants to ensure that his next job will allow him to rebuild his reputation and establish a long-term presence with a franchise.
This patience could ultimately pay off, as the market for head coaches tends to shift throughout the offseason. By focusing on the potential opening with the Commanders, Kingsbury is positioning himself for a chance at redemption with a team that could benefit from his offensive mindset.
If Kingsbury does end up joining the Commanders, it would mark the beginning of a new chapter in his coaching career. It could also signal that the Commanders are looking to modernize their offense and take the next step in becoming a competitive team in the NFC.
Conclusion
Kliff Kingsbury’s decision to refrain from interviewing for head coaching jobs until after the Washington Commanders’ season ends reflects a strategic, patient approach to his future in the NFL. By focusing on a potential opportunity with the Commanders, Kingsbury is positioning himself for a fresh start and a chance to demonstrate his coaching abilities in a new environment.
For Kingsbury, the next chapter in his career could be his most important one. As he waits for the dust to settle on the Commanders’ coaching situation, all eyes will be on how his next move unfolds and what kind of impact he could have on a new team in 2025 and beyond.
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