Coaching Search Update: NFL OC Potential Candidate For Penn State Job

The quest replace James Franklin at Penn State continues to dominate headlines, and Nittany Sports Now can confirm another potential candidate in the coaching search.

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is a name to think about.

The Kingsbury File

Age: 46

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Kingsbury brings a deep offensive pedigree, combining experience as both a quarterback and coach under some of the sport’s most innovative minds.

Kingsbury was one of Mike Leach’s prized pupils at Texas Tech, developing under the Air Raid system — the foundation of his offensive philosophy today.

After college, Kingsbury spent time in the NFL and CFL, earning a Super Bowl ring as Tom Brady’s backup with the 2003 New England Patriots.

Offensive Coordinator

Kingsbury began his coaching career on Kevin Sumlin’s staff at Houston (2008–2011), working his way up to offensive coordinator in 2011. That season, he helped architect the nation’s No. 1 scoring offense (49.3 points per game) and developed Case Keenum into an All-American. Under Kingsbury’s guidance, Keenum led the nation in completions, attempts, completion percentage, yards, touchdowns, yards per completion, yards per attempt, and quarterback rating.

When Sumlin moved to Texas A&M, Kingsbury joined him — and his reputation soared. He helped mentor Johnny Manziel, who went on to win the Heisman Trophy, producing 5,116 total yards and 47 total touchdowns responsible for.

Texas Tech

Kingsbury became Texas Tech’s head coach in 2013 and coached several future NFL quarterbacks, including Baker Mayfield (2013) and Patrick Mahomes (2014–2016).

Under Kingsbury, Mahomes led the nation in passing yards, touchdowns, and yards per game in consecutive seasons, setting multiple Texas Tech records.

NFL Experience

The Arizona Cardinals hired Kingsbury as head coach in 2019, where he guided Kyler Murray to NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and led the team to a playoff berth two years later.

However, the 2022 season unraveled as Arizona lost 13 games, leading to Kingsbury’s dismissal.

He then spent a year at USC as an offensive analyst under Lincoln Riley, another Air Raid disciple, working closely with Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

Following his year in Los Angeles, Kingsbury joined Dan Quinn’s staff in Washington.

Last season he helped Jayden Daniels, the former LSU Heisman Trophy winner, earn NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and led the Commanders to a surprise NFC Championship appearance.

Overview

Kingsbury’s track record of quarterback development — from Keenum to Manziel, Mahomes, Murray, Williams, and Daniels — makes him one of the sport’s most respected offensive minds.

His name now enters the mix as Penn State evaluates potential successors to Franklin, signaling the program’s interest in a proven offensive innovator with both college and NFL success.

Check out our Head Coach Hot Board, Version 4, for the latest updates on candidates in the Penn State coaching search.