In a significant move designed to jump-start an underperforming offense, the Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to sign Kliff Kingsbury as their new offensive coordinator, as per a source with knowledge of the dealings who spoke to The Associated Press. The team is yet to make an official announcement, with the final terms still to be set in stone.
The hiring marks a pivotal acquisition for Antonio Pierce, the newly confirmed Raiders coach who shed his interim status on January 19. Kingsbury is tasked to drastically try and improve an offense that languished at 27th in the league, managing just 289.5 yards per game and averaging 19.5 points, according to The Associated Press.
However, the focus also turns to the quarterback position, where rookie Aidan O'Connell holds the reins with an uneven 5-4 record. O'Connell himself appeared ready to take on any challenge, asserting, “There hasn’t been a lot of years I’ve been the unquestioned starter going in, so I’m used to competing," as reported by U.S. News & World Report. The Raider's quarterback future may yet be decided in the upcoming draft where they hold the 13th pick in a class flush with quarterback talent.
Formerly with the Arizona Cardinals, Kingsbury posted a 28-37-1 record as head coach and saw postseason action in the 2021 season. After a subsequent season marred by key injuries and a disappointing 4-13 record, he was let go, just months following a prior contract extension. Following his tenure with the Cardinals, Kingsbury served as an offensive analyst at USC, working closely with quarterback Caleb Williams, anticipated by many to be the top pick in the upcoming draft. Kingsbury beat out several candidates for the Raiders job, including ex-Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher, according to the reporting by The Associated Press.
