Kliff Kingsbury has made a significant shift in his career, transitioning from a turbulent tenure as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals to a revitalizing role with the Washington Commanders. After being dismissed from Arizona in January 2023, Kingsbury spent months traveling and reflecting before taking the helm in Washington. His return to coaching has already yielded impressive results, as he and his offensive coordinator, Sam Daniels, have transformed the Commanders' offense from one of the league's least productive units to a top-performing squad.
Kingsbury's coaching journey began in the NFL with a season alongside legendary quarterback Tom Brady on the New England Patriots. However, his notable impact was more pronounced during his time coaching in college. He developed a reputation for nurturing talent while mentoring quarterbacks like Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, and Patrick Mahomes. His keen eye for talent was evident when he expressed enthusiasm for a former LSU star quarterback after watching his college film. This ability to recognize potential has played a crucial role in Kingsbury's current success in Washington.
In the 2023 season, the Commanders ranked 23rd in points and 24th in yards under previous leadership. However, since Kingsbury's arrival, they have skyrocketed to 5th in points and 7th in yards. This transformation is largely attributed to Kingsbury's aggressive offensive strategy, which includes a notable increase in long pass attempts—13 passes of 40 air yards or more, ranking second in the NFL.
Kingsbury's coaching approach has also evolved significantly. He has moved away from the four-wide receiver formation that characterized his previous offenses at Texas Tech and Arizona. Instead, he has fostered a more adaptable and engaging atmosphere within the team. Tight end Zach Ertz noted that Kingsbury has become more outgoing and open this season, improving his rapport with players like quarterback Sam Howell.
Despite his earlier struggles in Arizona, where his relationship with Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Steve Keim deteriorated, Kingsbury has expressed that he feels more fulfilled this season than he has in years past. Reflecting on his time in Arizona, he acknowledged his shortcomings in establishing a solid foundation for the team.
"I don't think I set the foundation [in Arizona] the way I would do it after watching [Quinn] and how he set the foundation from day one," said Kingsbury.
He continued to emphasize the lessons learned from that experience, stating, "These are the standards, this is what we want, this is what we're going to be. I definitely could have done a better job of that."
This renewed sense of purpose is evident in Kingsbury's interactions with players. He has garnered praise for being attuned to their needs and fostering an environment conducive to success. Tavita Pritchard highlighted Kingsbury's ability to gauge the pulse of the game:
"He really has a feel for the essence of what's going on. And I think that speaks to how he pays attention to people first. Because then I think that's energy."
The camaraderie within the Commanders' locker room has been palpable, as players feel more connected to their coach. Colt McCoy noted the importance of repetition in preparation, stating:
"At the end of the day Friday when you're doing another walk-through and sick of it, by the time you get to the game, you're not blinking when he calls a play and you've walked through it 10 times."
Kingsbury's evolution as a coach aligns with a broader philosophy shared by Commanders head coach Ron Rivera:
"I love how we attack."
Kingsbury's approach contrasts sharply with the challenges he faced in Arizona. The Cardinals' media circus was marked by distractions, including injuries and player discontent. As one insider remarked, “It was Hard Knocks, Kyler was hurt and pissed off. There was a ton of stuff. Injuries."
In Washington, Kingsbury appears more focused on building relationships and fostering a team-oriented culture. Zach Ertz emphasized that success in football relies heavily on interpersonal connections:
"This is a relationship business. Obviously, winning games and being at your best is important, but being in this together is a big part of it."
This focus on collaboration has allowed him to connect deeply with Howell, who joined the Commanders partly to reunite with Kingsbury. The quarterback's trust in Kingsbury's play-calling has been instrumental in their offensive resurgence.
As he settles into his new role, Kingsbury remains grounded about his motivations for returning to coaching. He stated candidly:
"I didn't get into this to be a head coach again. It's not about money. It never has been about money. So, that won't move me at all."
His commitment to personal fulfillment over financial gains has resonated with both players and coaches alike. Rivera articulated this sentiment perfectly:
"Nothing can replace the joy that you have of where you're at."
Kingsbury’s journey reflects not just a change of scenery but also personal growth after navigating challenges in Arizona. His newfound happiness and approach appear to be propelling the Commanders toward greater heights this season.
With only weeks into his tenure with Washington, Kliff Kingsbury is demonstrating that a fresh perspective can yield significant results on the field while fostering a positive environment off it. The transformation of the Commanders under his leadership could redefine expectations for the franchise moving forward.
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