KLIFF KINGSBURY MAKES NFL COMEBACK, CHIP KELLY EYEING NFL ROLE
In a shocking turn of events, Kliff Kingsbury has returned to the NFL, leaving college football behind. The former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals has agreed to join Antonio Pierce’s staff as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. Although no official deal has been confirmed yet, both parties are in agreement.
This isn’t the first time Kingsbury has been in the spotlight during the hiring cycle. Last season, he traveled to Thailand with his girlfriend, Veronica Bielik, to interview for the vacant offensive coordinator role with the Houston Texans. Unfortunately for Kingsbury, the Texans went with Bobby Slowik instead.
What’s even more surprising is the interest that Chip Kelly, UCLA’s head coach, has shown in returning to the NFL. Kelly recently interviewed for the offensive coordinator positions with both the Las Vegas Raiders and the Washington Commanders. While the Raiders ultimately chose Kingsbury, Kelly remains in the running for the Commanders’ vacancy.
It seems that the changing landscape of college football has caught up with Chip Kelly. Despite UCLA’s move to the Big Ten and the promise of bright, new horizons, the rise of NIL and the transfer portal has made staying in the college game less appealing. Even someone with Kelly’s coaching pedigree and value may have to settle for a coordinator’s role in the NFL.
The trend of FBS coaches making the jump to the NFL is on the rise. Just this week, Jeff Hafley left his head coaching position at Boston College to become the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator. The allure of the NFL is stronger than ever for college coaches.
Chip Kelly brings an impressive head-coaching record to the table. With an 84-41 record in college football, including a trip to the national championship in 2010 with Oregon, Kelly has proven his abilities. He also had stints as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL.
While Washington has announced their new head coach, hiring former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Kelly remains in the pool of candidates for the Commanders’ offensive coordinator position. It remains to be seen if he will ultimately make the leap back to the NFL.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
