Kliff Kingsbury, the former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, has withdrawn from consideration for the offensive coordinator position with the Las Vegas Raiders. This news comes after contract talks broke down between Kingsbury and the Raiders, according to his agent, Erik Burkhardt. The potential hiring of Kingsbury was expected under coach Antonio Pierce, but negotiations fell through.
Kingsbury, 44, was one of four candidates who interviewed for the vacant position over the past two weeks. The other candidates included Luke Getsy, Alex Van Pelt, and Mike Sullivan. Van Pelt has since been hired as the New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator.
Kingsbury’s experience and success as a coach made him an attractive candidate for the Raiders. Last fall, he worked with USC’s Caleb Williams, who went on to win the 2022 Heisman Trophy. Kingsbury also has a history of coaching top-tier quarterbacks, having drafted Kyler Murray during his time with the Cardinals and coached Patrick Mahomes in college when he was the head coach at Texas Tech.
The Raiders had a mixed season last year, finishing with an 8-9 record. With Pierce as the interim coach, the team made some significant changes, benching incumbent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and giving rookie Aidan O’Connell a chance to shine. Under Pierce’s guidance, the Raiders finished strong with a 5-4 record, including a 3-1 record against AFC West opponents and a notable win against the conference champion Kansas City Chiefs.
While Kingsbury won’t be joining the Raiders as their offensive coordinator, his decision to withdraw from consideration opens up new possibilities for both him and the team. The Raiders will now have to explore other options to fill the position and find someone who can help take their offense to the next level.
It remains to be seen what Kingsbury’s next move will be. With his track record of working with talented quarterbacks, it’s likely that he will attract interest from other teams in need of offensive coaching. Whether he returns to the college ranks or finds a role in the NFL, Kingsbury’s expertise and experience will surely be in high demand.
In conclusion, Kliff Kingsbury has decided to withdraw from consideration for the offensive coordinator position with the Las Vegas Raiders. Contract talks broke down, leading to his decision. Despite this setback, Kingsbury’s impressive coaching background and success with quarterbacks make him a sought-after candidate for future coaching opportunities. As for the Raiders, they will now have to explore other options to fill their offensive coordinator position and continue their quest for success in the upcoming season.