Kliff Kingsbury to Raiders: What role ex-Cardinals’ HC will play as new OC?

Driven by the motivation to revive their offense, the Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly set their sights on Kliff Kingsbury as their new offensive coordinator. This move suggests they believe Kingsbury has the potential to unlock the team’s offensive potential and lead them to greater success.

As rumors circulate about this strategic move, football enthusiasts eagerly await confirmation of Kingsbury’s role in shaping the team’s future performance.

Raiders set to recruit Kliff Kingsbury as their new OC

The Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly opted to hire Kliff Kingsbury, who was the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals. He spent last season as a senior offensive analyst and QBs coach at USC. If this deal is signed, it will mark the coach’s return to the NFL. 

Hoping to return to the NFL, he recently interviewed for the vacant offensive coordinator positions with both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears. However, another opportunity soon emerged. The Las Vegas Raiders, determined to overcome their offensive struggles, also expressed interest in the experienced coach.

First, the team was interested in signing former Eagles and 49ers head coach Chip Kelly. But then Kingsbury interviewed for the role twice. Three more candidates were interviewed for the role, including Luke Getsy, Alex Van Pelt, and Mike Sullivan.

Kliff Kingsbury
Via SportsKeeda

But the HC of the Raiders decided to go with Kingsbury. The head coach Antonio Pierce hinted about his decision, stating he wanted a “minimum of 24 points” per game out of a new offensive coordinator, which matched Kingsbury’s points, who averaged 23.6 points from 2019 to 2022. Then in 2021 with Arizona, he averaged 26.4 points.

The ex-Cardinals’ HC’s incredible stats make him the perfect candidate for the Raiders. A deal has not been signed yet but according to multiple reports, it will be finalized soon.

What role Kliff Kingsbury will play as Raiders’ OC?

Kliff Kingsbury will be hired as the Raiders’ offensive coordinator and his role will be to try to turn around the team’s offense, which was 27th this season in yards per game (289.5) and 23rd in scoring (19.5-point average).

Antonio Pierce emphasized that the new offensive coordinator should be a “teacher” capable of adjusting on the fly. The desired offensive approach includes running the football, play-action passes, vertical passing games, shots down the field, explosive plays, and creativity regarding shifts and motions.

“You’ve got to be able to run the football — play-action pass,” Pierce said. “What are the Raiders known for? The vertical passing game, right? We want to see the shots down the field. We want the explosive plays. That has to be a part of the creativity. You look at the shifts, the motions, all that stuff goes into it.”

Kliff Kingsbury
Via CBS Sports

Kliff Kingsbury fulfills all the requirements as he brings a creative playcalling approach, employing a personalized version of the Air Raid offense, known for a heavy run game, play-action, and deep shots. Despite his quarterbacks rarely playing under center, Kingsbury’s offensive strategy sets up play-action and deep shots.

Kliff Kingsbury will replace interim offensive coordinator Bo Hardegree, who took over play-calling duties after the firing of Josh McDaniels. There will be a lot of expectations from the former HC and we hope he will not disappoint the team and the fans.

Maheen Zaib

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Maheen is a writer for SportsZion. She's your go-to for all things NFL, from epic game highlights to trade scoops and breaking news. Navigating the sports scene with flair, join her on this thrilling journey through the NFL's wild ride. Let's score some great reads together!

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