Big 12 Football: Head coach power rankings entering 2015
By Hayden Hyde
Oct 25, 2014; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Kliff Kingsbury during the game against the TCU Horned Frogs at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
7. Kliff Kingsbury – Texas Tech Red Raiders
Career Record (12-13)
Kliff Kingsbury has one of the greatest offensive minds in the country, but he’s yet to put it all together in the Big 12. His teams have been rather mediocre the last two years, posting records of 8-5 and 4-8. Kingsbury has installed a pass-happy, spread offense, something that is no surprise to Mike Leach’s former school.
On-field success hasn’t culminated yet, but Kingsbury has brought a sense of excitement to the program.
Kingsbury started his career as a quarterback under Mike Leach at Texas Tech. He was drafted in the 6th round by the New England Patriots and bounced around practice squads, NFL Europe, and even the Canadian Football League.
He began his coaching career Houston, where he learned under another Mike Leach disciple, Kevin Sumlin. He and Sumlin formed a bond, and Kingsbury followed him to College Station to coach the Texas A&M Aggies. There, Kingsbury cultivated the top offense in the nation and Heisman trophy winner Johnny Manziel. After an exciting season, and many awards, Kingsbury went home to coach at Texas Tech.
Though Kingsbury is young and inexperienced, he’s brought a swagger to a program that desperately needed it after the departure of Tommy Tuberville.
Next: Charlie Strong