Commanders’ Kliff Kingsbury would like to be head coach again ‘at some point,’ shares what he’d do differently

Commanders’ Kliff Kingsbury Would Like to Be Head Coach Again ‘At Some Point,’ Shares What He’d Do Differently

Kliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, has expressed a desire to return to the head coaching ranks in the future. During a candid interview ahead of the Commanders’ pivotal playoff game, Kingsbury reflected on his tenure as a head coach in both college and the NFL, offering insights into what he’d approach differently if given another opportunity.

Kingsbury, 44, has been a polarizing figure in football. Renowned for his offensive creativity and innovation, his time as a head coach with the Arizona Cardinals ended after the 2022 season, marked by flashes of brilliance but ultimately undermined by inconsistency and underachievement. Now, as the architect of the Commanders’ offense, Kingsbury has revitalized his reputation and positioned himself as a potential head coaching candidate in the years to come.

Kingsbury’s Coaching Journey

College Success and NFL Ascension

Kingsbury’s coaching journey began with success in college football, particularly during his tenure at Texas Tech (2013–2018), where he developed a reputation as a quarterback guru. Under his guidance, players like Patrick Mahomes flourished, showcasing the effectiveness of his Air Raid-inspired offensive system.

His offensive acumen earned him a shot in the NFL, where he was hired as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. Armed with the first overall draft pick, Kingsbury chose quarterback Kyler Murray, aiming to pair his innovative offense with Murray’s dynamic skill set.

Ups and Downs in Arizona

Kingsbury’s tenure in Arizona was marked by extremes. He brought a fast-paced, high-scoring offense to the Cardinals, and the team showed promise during his early years, including an 11-6 season in 2021 that culminated in a playoff berth. However, his teams often faltered in the second half of seasons, and internal issues—ranging from injuries to reported tensions with players—eventually led to his dismissal after a disappointing 4-13 season in 2022.

Kingsbury’s Reflections on His Tenure as Head Coach

In the interview, Kingsbury was introspective, acknowledging his past mistakes and outlining how he would approach the role differently if given another chance.

1. Improved Work-Life Balance

Kingsbury admitted that the pressures of being a head coach consumed him at times, leading to burnout and a loss of perspective.

“I used to think I needed to outwork everyone, to live and breathe football 24/7. But that approach isn’t sustainable, and it doesn’t always make you better. You have to take care of yourself to take care of your team.”

He emphasized the importance of delegation and trusting his staff, lessons he’s implemented during his time with the Commanders.

2. Stronger Player Relationships

Kingsbury acknowledged that he could have done more to build stronger relationships with his players, particularly during challenging times.

“When things weren’t going well, I sometimes pulled back instead of leaning into those relationships. Players need to know you’re with them through thick and thin.”

This self-awareness reflects his evolution as a leader, evident in his ability to connect with the Commanders’ young talent, including rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

3. Adapting His Offensive Philosophy

While Kingsbury’s Air Raid offense brought excitement, it also drew criticism for its lack of adaptability in the NFL. He admitted that he relied too heavily on his system rather than tailoring it to the unique strengths of his personnel.

“In Arizona, I tried to fit players into the system rather than fitting the system to the players. That’s something I’ve worked on here in Washington, and it’s made a huge difference.”

Under Kingsbury, the Commanders’ offense has shown versatility, blending elements of the Air Raid with a more balanced approach that incorporates a strong running game and diverse passing attack.

Commanders’ Offensive Resurgence

Kingsbury’s influence on the Commanders’ offense has been transformative. After finishing near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories last season, Washington has emerged as a dynamic unit under his guidance. The offense ranks in the top 10 in total yards, and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has thrived, demonstrating poise and playmaking ability far beyond his years.

Key Improvements Under Kingsbury

1. Quarterback Development: Daniels’ rapid development has been one of the most significant storylines of the Commanders’ season. Kingsbury’s experience working with mobile quarterbacks like Mahomes and Murray has been instrumental in helping Daniels transition to the NFL.
2. Red Zone Efficiency: Washington has significantly improved in the red zone, ranking among the league leaders in touchdown conversion rate. Kingsbury’s creative play-calling has been a major factor.
3. Balanced Attack: Unlike his earlier offenses, Kingsbury has embraced balance in Washington, leaning on a strong rushing duo of Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson to complement the passing game.

Potential Future as a Head Coach

Kingsbury’s success in Washington has reignited speculation about his future as a head coach. While he remains focused on his current role, he acknowledged that the idea of returning to the top job is something he’s considered.

“At some point, I’d like to be a head coach again. But when that time comes, I want to be better prepared, not just in terms of X’s and O’s, but as a leader and manager.”

Given the NFL’s constant demand for innovative offensive minds, Kingsbury’s name is likely to surface in head coaching searches, particularly for teams looking to develop young quarterbacks.

What Would He Do Differently?

Kingsbury outlined several areas he would approach differently in his next head coaching stint:

1. Building a Stronger Coaching Staff: Kingsbury plans to prioritize hiring experienced coordinators and position coaches, emphasizing collaboration and diversity of thought.
2. Focus on Complementary Football: He aims to place greater emphasis on the defensive and special teams aspects of the game, ensuring a more well-rounded approach.
3. Adaptability and Evolution: Kingsbury is committed to continuing his evolution as a play-caller, embracing adaptability and creativity to keep opposing defenses off balance.

The Path Ahead

While Kingsbury’s aspirations are clear, his immediate focus remains on helping the Commanders succeed in the postseason. Washington faces a challenging path, but Kingsbury’s offensive ingenuity gives them a fighting chance against tough competition.

As for his long-term future, Kingsbury’s time with the Commanders has served as a valuable opportunity to refine his craft and rebuild his reputation. Whether he becomes a head coach again in the NFL, returns to college football, or continues to thrive as an offensive coordinator, one thing is certain: Kingsbury’s journey is far from over.