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There was a lot of smoke around interest between the Arizona Cardinals and former Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury.
I’m not a reporter but I am hearing some solid information that the Cardinals really like @KliffKingsbury & he is an intriguing candidate for the front office. I like the idea of Kliff, he will need a really good DC & maybe even one who has NFL HC experience, Todd Bowles?
— Rudy Carpenter (@rudygcarp12) January 6, 2019
From a reddit post a few days ago to little areas leaking out about mutual interest it seemed like it would be a development to watch.
USC, however, had been blocking interviews from taking place over the past few days, so many had given up on that avenue.
Or at least, they did given that there remained some options for Kliff should he seek an NFL job.
USC OC Kliff Kingsbury may resign to explore NFL opportunities after Trojans AD blocked him from interviewing with the Jets and Cardinals, per @ProFootballTalk pic.twitter.com/nRDrVqKufG
— Bleacher Report CFB (@BR_CFB) January 5, 2019
Now? They’ve released him from that and the smoke has turned into fire around the league.
I’m hearing Kliff Kingsbury is interviewing with NFL teams, which likely means he has resigned as USC offensive coordinator. USC was blocking him from interviewing foe NFL head coaching openings
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 7, 2019
Immediately after this, many people talked about the connection that the Cardinals and Kingsbury might have had mutual interest...and there was a lot of it.
The Arizona Cardinals and Kliff Kingsbury were said to have a strong mutual interest in each other, per league sources, but they had been prevented from talking. Not now. Jets also are likely to want to talk to Kingsbury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 7, 2019
The #AZCardinals, who have been waiting to talk with HC candidate Kliff Kingsbury, are now able to do so, I’m told. He’s still employed at USC, per team official, still on their website. It seems USC open the door here.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2019
Nothing yet but I imagine Cardinals will interview Kliff Kingsbury and I would not be surprised if he emerged as the top candidate for the job. He works really well with quarterbacks, great play caller and his teams put up points. Would need a great DC to help.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 7, 2019
As we mentioned last week on @AZSports, don't dismiss Kliff Kingsbury as a serious candidate to become the next head coach of the @AZCardinals. https://t.co/fWAQa1ySHH
— Paul Calvisi (@PaulCalvisi) January 7, 2019
How would this hire look? Well, here’s a tweet that sums it up pretty well...
Kliff Kingsbury has a mixed college reputation but his play calling and offensive ideas will be a decided advantage to whichever teams hire him. The NFL needs more coaches who don’t shirk from risks at every turn.
— Davis Mattek (@DavisMattek) January 7, 2019
What are your thoughts?
Should Kingsbury be the Cardinals next head coach?
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