Joe Rondone-USA TODAY Sports
In a surprising move, the Las Vegas Raiders have announced the signing of Kliff Kingsbury as their new offensive coordinator. Kingsbury, the former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and most recently an assistant coach for USC, brings with him a wealth of experience in implementing high-octane, pass-heavy offenses. It’s an intriguing decision for a Raiders team that built an identity on the defensive side of the ball, though Vegas’ brass believe Kingsbury can add a unique dimension to a team looking to make a leap in ’24.
Kingsbury’s reputation precedes him as a proponent of the up-tempo, air raid offense — a system characterized by its fast pace, spread formations, and emphasis on passing plays. His tenure with the Arizona Cardinals showcased his ability to utilize the talents of quarterbacks like Kyler Murray, building an offense that finished in the top-half in points scored each season from ’19-’21.
The decision to bring Kingsbury may signal a strategic shift for the Raiders. With Pierce at the helm, known for his defensive expertise cultivated during his time as a standout linebacker in the NFL, the pairing of Kingsbury’s air attack with Pierce’s defensive acumen creates an intriguing dynamic within the coaching staff.
For Pierce, the addition of Kingsbury represents an opportunity to diversify the team’s playbook and foster a more versatile offensive identity. While defensive-minded coaches often prioritize ball control and clock management, Pierce’s willingness to embrace Kingsbury’s high-flying offensive style speaks to his adaptability and commitment to maximizing the team’s potential on both sides of the ball.
That being said, the Cardinals ran the ball quite well during Kingsbury’s tenure. Of course, some of that can be attributed to Murray’s ability to create plays out of structure, but we also saw Kenyan Drake and James Conner have excellent seasons running the ball in Arizona. The Cardinals finished in the top-10 in both rushing yards and touchdowns each season from ’19-’21. Big things could be on the horizon for Vegas runner Josh Jacobs if the team is able to retain his services.
The next question this team will have to answer is the quarterback position. As we’ve alluded to, Kingsbury had the fortune of creating a scheme around a dynamic dual threat in Murray with the Cardinals. There is no such player of that caliber on this Raiders roster. Vegas holds the No. 13 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and could use that selection on one of the QB’s. Though, there will surely be buzz around the Raiders potentially moving all the way up to the No. 1 pick to draft stud prospect Caleb Williams — who Kingsbury coached last year at USC. It’s unclear if the Raiders have anywhere near enough capital to pull off such a move, but the familiarity is obviously there.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, bold decisions like the hiring of Kingsbury exemplify a commitment to innovation and a willingness to embrace change. As the Raiders gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on the sidelines, where the strategic partnership between Kingsbury and Pierce will be put to the test. Can their philosophies converge to create an effective game plan? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Raiders’ offense is poised for a transformation under the guidance of Kingsbury.
