GLENDALE — A former Arizona Cardinals head coach has parted ways with the Washington Commanders as their offensive coordinator and is seeking another opportunity to take the helm of an NFL team four years after leaving Arizona.
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Jan 1, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Kliff Kingsbury, who served as the Cardinals’ head coach from 2019-2022, spent two seasons with Washington following a disappointing 5-12 campaign this year. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Kingsbury is expected to interview with the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans for their open head coaching positions.
The former coach was even trending on X, sitting as the second-highest search as news broke out.
With Arizona also looking for new leadership, could Kingsbury make another run with the Cardinals in 2026?
Dec 25, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury walks the sidelines as his team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at State Farm Stadium. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK
Kingsbury’s offensive familiarity — especially his work with young quarterbacks — has made him appealing around the league. Despite a 28-37-1 overall record in Arizona, he guided the Cardinals to 11 wins and a playoff appearance in 2021, marking the franchise’s first postseason berth in six years.
A potential return would spark both debate and a sense of nostalgia. While the Cardinals experienced inconsistency under Kingsbury, the team also found a measure of success during his tenure. Arizona is currently in reset mode after firing head coach Jonathan Gannon, with ongoing questions surrounding quarterback Kyler Murray’s long-term future in the Valley.
Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury hugs Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) after a Cardinals loss during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 29, 2024. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
An offer to Kingsbury could once again shake up the organization and draw attention, as fans and analysts alike would closely watch how a second stint in Arizona might unfold.
Fans have already begun discussing the possibility, while others want the former coach to take leadership of their own teams due to his resume.
Kliff Kingsbury, welcome back to the Arizona Cardinals https://t.co/QDcYu1F0PM
— JB (@LfcJB1) January 6, 2026
How funny would it be if Vance Joseph got the Cardinals job and brought Kliff Kingsbury with him as OC? pic.twitter.com/ey2oMPwltl
— Kyle Banks (@kylebanks) January 6, 2026
I want Kliff Kingsbury as my next Head coach. If he can make Kyler Murray look great from those years with the Cardinals, I can only imagine what he’ll do with Dart. 🎯
— 🏆Q U A N 💣 (@GiantKnicks) January 6, 2026
While familiarity is something an organization can get behind, it doesn’t always work in every situation. Kingsbury represented what could have been, but it ultimately didn’t work out in the long run. Yes, one season lifted the team to new heights, but it wasn’t enough to say he made sufficient, lasting change in Glendale.
If the Cardinals want to move on from this difficult chapter, it’s better not to look back and instead move forward with a fresh, new voice.
No matter which teams make him an offer, Kingsbury’s head coaching candidacy is still expected to be one of the most closely watched storylines of the offseason.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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