LUBBOCK, TX – In a move that has sent ripples of excitement and speculation through the Texas Tech football program and its fanbase, former head coach Kliff Kingsbury is set to return to Lubbock. The university announced yesterday that Kingsbury will take on the role of Senior Advisor, effective immediately. This strategic addition aims to provide support to current head coach Joey McGuire and contribute significantly to the team’s strategic development as they gear up for the 2025 season.
Kingsbury, a Red Raider legend both as a player and a coach, needs no introduction to the Texas Tech faithful. His high-octane offenses captivated audiences during his tenure as head coach from 2013 to 2018. While his overall record didn’t meet the program’s aspirations, his innovative offensive schemes and ability to attract top quarterback talent left an indelible mark on the program.
Following his time in Lubbock, Kingsbury transitioned to the NFL, serving as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022. His professional experience, coupled with his deep understanding of the Texas Tech culture and landscape, is expected to be a valuable asset for McGuire and his coaching staff.
In his new role as Senior Advisor, Kingsbury will not be directly involved in day-to-day coaching activities on the field. Instead, his responsibilities will focus on providing strategic insights, analyzing opponents, and contributing to the overall game plan development. He will serve as a resource for Coach McGuire, offering his unique perspective and experience to help elevate the program’s strategic direction.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kliff Kingsbury back to Texas Tech,” said Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt in a press release. “His deep connection to this university and his proven track record in offensive innovation will be a tremendous benefit to our football program. Coach McGuire has built a strong foundation, and we believe Kliff’s strategic mind will be a significant asset as we strive for continued growth and success.”
Joey McGuire echoed this sentiment, expressing his enthusiasm about Kingsbury’s return. “Having Kliff back in the building is a huge win for Texas Tech football,” McGuire stated. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique offensive perspective that will undoubtedly enhance our strategic planning. I’m looking forward to collaborating with him and leveraging his experience to help our team reach its full potential.”
The move is seen by many as a proactive step by the Texas Tech administration to provide McGuire with additional support and resources as he enters his third season at the helm. McGuire has injected a new level of energy and physicality into the program, and the addition of Kingsbury’s strategic acumen could be the missing piece to propel the Red Raiders to the next level in the competitive Big 12 Conference.
While the specifics of Kingsbury’s involvement remain to be seen, his return has already ignited a buzz among fans. The prospect of his offensive insights being integrated into McGuire’s vision has many optimistic about the team’s potential in the upcoming 2025 season. This reunion of a beloved former coach with the current leadership signals a unified front and a clear commitment to building a successful future for Texas Tech football. The Red Raider Nation will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how this strategic partnership
unfolds.
