Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury is interested in returning to the NFL as an offensive coordinator. Kingsbury spent the 2023 campaign as a senior offensive analyst at USC, helping Lincoln Riley coach quarterback Caleb Williams, the expected No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears recently interviewed Kingsbury for their vacancy but hired Shane Waldron to replace Luke Getsy instead. The Philadelphia Eagles have also interviewed the San Antonio, Texas native, according to various reports.
Kingsbury's tenure as the Cardinals' head coach didn't go as planned, but the former quarterback possesses a brilliant offensive mind. Becoming an NFL offensive coordinator is the perfect way for Kingsbury to continue rehabilitating his reputation. We've identified three ideal team fits for Kingsbury.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons are still going through the process of hiring Arthur Smith's successor. Bill Belichick has long been considered a favorite, but owner Arthur Blank and general manager Terry Fontenot are casting a wide net. Fellow defensive-minded candidates Raheem Morris and Mike Vrabel are among those also garnering consideration.
I believe the Falcons will appoint one of those three options. Hiring a strong offensive coordinator will then become of the utmost importance given the head coach's defense-first approach. The Falcons will have a new starting quarterback in 2024 with an offensive nucleus that contains Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts waiting to be properly unleashed. Kingsbury is capable of maximizing the supporting cast that's already in place. Kingsbury would especially be an interesting fit alongside Belichick given that the Patriots drafted him in 2003.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Kingsbury has already interviewed with the Eagles, as noted above. Head coach Nick Sirianni relieved offensive coordinator Brian Johnson of his duties after just one uneven season. Sirianni is entering the 2024 campaign on the hot seat, so he must get this hire right. It's easy to understand why Sirianni could possess an interest in appointing Kingsbury.
Philadelphia's offense greatly missed Shane Steichen in 2023. Johnson and Sirianni did not make a good pairing. Jalen Hurts regressed and the Eagles lacked a clearly defined identity on offense. Sirianni is now tasked with reshaping the offense to maximize Hurts' ceiling again. Kingsbury would be a flexible sounding board that could help the Eagles offense get back to basics.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
The Panthers are the real wild card in the head coaching search. They decided to promote from within at general manager, elevating former assistant general manager Dan Morgan to GM and president of football operations. Morgan will now help owner Dave Tepper hire the next head coach. I could see the Panthers appointing a strong stabilizing figure like Morris, Dan Quinn, Vrabel, or Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.
The culture needs fixing in Carolina. The most important task the next head coach will face is developing No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. Young's rookie season was extremely disappointing given the sizable investment Carolina made to acquire him. Kingsbury has a strong track record of working with young, ascending quarterbacks.
