Two NFL teams are gearing up for their respective conference championship games this Sunday, and while the Washington Commanders and Kansas City Chiefs won’t face off, there’s an intriguing connection between them that dates back to their college days at Texas Tech. Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes share a rich history that has shaped their careers in the NFL. Let’s dive into their journey together and explore how they made waves in college football.
Did Kliff Kingsbury coach Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech?
Absolutely! Kliff Kingsbury was at the helm of the Texas Tech football program when Mahomes was making his mark as a quarterback. Kingsbury took over as head coach in December 2012, having previously played for the Red Raiders from 1998 to 2002.
In January 2013, Texas Tech extended an offer to Mahomes, who was a three-star quarterback recruit at the time. Kingsbury, having heard about Mahomes from the previous coaching staff, was quick to recruit him after watching his high school highlights. “I could see what I thought he could be,” Kingsbury reflected in an interview. “I loved how he’d extend plays, and I don’t think anybody thought he’d still be doing it at this level the way he does it. But he has a special knack at it, probably the best ever at doing it.”
Mahomes played his senior season at Whitehouse High School in Texas during 2013, earning the Texas AP Player of the Year award. He signed with Texas Tech’s 2014 recruiting class while Kingsbury was leading the Red Raiders to an 8-5 record in his first season.
Patrick Mahomes’ college stats
Mahomes wasted no time making an impact at Texas Tech. As a true freshman in 2014, he started seven games, throwing for 1,547 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. The Red Raiders struggled that season, finishing with a 4-8 record, but Mahomes’ talent was undeniable.
The following year, Mahomes secured the starting job and had a breakout season, amassing 4,653 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions, while also rushing for 456 yards and 10 touchdowns. Texas Tech ended that season with a 7-6 record, and Mahomes became one of only five quarterbacks in FBS history to throw for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns while rushing for at least 450 yards and 10 scores.
But it was his junior year in 2016 that truly showcased his extraordinary abilities. Mahomes threw for an astounding 5,052 yards, leading the nation with 41 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 260 yards and 12 touchdowns. In a memorable game against Oklahoma, Mahomes set multiple NCAA records, including the most combined passing and rushing yards in a single game with 819 yards.
Texas Tech Air Raid offense
Kingsbury’s influence on Mahomes was evident through the Air Raid offense, which Kingsbury learned during his playing days under the legendary Mike Leach. This pass-heavy system is designed to spread the defense and attack downfield, often utilizing a no-huddle approach. While the Commanders don’t run a pure Air Raid system, elements of it can be seen in their play, particularly with the dynamic running abilities of Jayden Daniels and Brian Robinson.
Unsurprisingly, Mahomes thrived in this offensive scheme, showcasing his ability to extend plays and make jaw-dropping throws. His time at Texas Tech laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable NFL career.
Did Patrick Mahomes win the Heisman?
Despite his impressive statistics, Mahomes never won the Heisman Trophy, nor was he ever a finalist. Why? One significant factor was Texas Tech’s lack of national visibility, finishing with a combined record of 11-14 during his last two seasons. The Heisman often goes to players on winning teams, and Mahomes’ Red Raiders struggled to make a mark in the competitive landscape of college football.
Kliff Kingsbury’s college record
Kingsbury’s tenure at Texas Tech saw him finish with a record of 35-40 over six seasons. His best season came in 2013 when the Red Raiders achieved an 8-5 record. Unfortunately, Kingsbury faced challenges in maintaining consistent success, and his defenses often faltered, hindering the team’s ability to compete in the Big 12.
Why did Kliff Kingsbury leave Texas Tech?
Kingsbury’s time at Texas Tech came to an end in November 2018 when he was fired after the Red Raiders finished 5-7, marking their third consecutive season below .500. Despite having talented offenses, Kingsbury struggled to build a strong defense, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
However, his coaching journey didn’t stop there. In January 2019, he was hired by the Arizona Cardinals, where he compiled a 28-37-1 record over four seasons, including one winning season in 2021. After a brief stint as a senior offensive analyst at USC in 2023, Kingsbury joined the Commanders’ coaching staff, where he has found renewed success.
The legacy of Kingsbury and Mahomes
As the Commanders and Chiefs prepare for their championship games, the bond between Kliff Kingsbury and Patrick Mahomes serves as a reminder of how college football can shape the future of the NFL. Their shared history at Texas Tech not only highlights their individual talents but also the impact of coaching and mentorship in the world of sports.
With both teams looking to make their mark, fans can only imagine the excitement that awaits as these two talented individuals continue to carve out their legacies in the NFL.
