In a bold and surprising move, Kliff Kingsbury, the former Arizona Cardinals head coach, has signed an $86.3 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The news, which broke today, is sending shockwaves throughout the NFL, as the Falcons look to make a massive shift in their coaching approach. The deal is expected to span six years, marking Kingsbury’s return to the NFL spotlight after a brief hiatus.
The Atlanta Falcons have been in a rebuilding phase over the last few years, struggling to find consistency since their 2016 Super Bowl appearance. After parting ways with former head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons’ front office quickly set their sights on Kingsbury, who is known for his offensive prowess.
Kingsbury’s offensive philosophy aligns with what the Falcons hope to accomplish—a high-powered, dynamic offense that can leverage their young core of players, including quarterback Desmond Ridder and standout receiver Drake London. His reputation for developing quarterbacks is also expected to play a significant role in elevating Ridder’s game, while maximizing the talent around him.
Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot commented on the hire, saying, “Kliff’s offensive mind is one of the most innovative in the game. We believe he’s the right fit to bring a new identity to the Falcons and take us to the next level.”
Kingsbury made a name for himself as a head coach at Texas Tech before moving on to the NFL. His first head coaching job with the Arizona Cardinals had its ups and downs. While he was instrumental in the development of quarterback Kyler Murray and turning the Cardinals into a playoff team in 2021, inconsistency and injuries plagued the team, leading to his departure after the 2022 season.
Since then, Kingsbury has remained out of the spotlight but was reportedly exploring new coaching opportunities both in college football and the NFL. The Falcons’ offer was too good to pass up, and now Kingsbury is back in the NFL with a lucrative contract to match.
The $86.3 million deal signifies the Falcons’ commitment to making Kingsbury the face of their franchise’s future. The pressure will be on him to deliver results quickly, especially in a competitive NFC South. Falcons fans are hopeful that Kingsbury can recreate the offensive magic he once brought to Arizona and Texas Tech, leading their team to new heights.
For now, all eyes are on Atlanta as Kliff Kingsbury prepares to take the helm, ushering in a new era of Falcons football.