Shortly after the news of Lincoln Riley leaving Oklahoma for USC broke, Adam Schefter reported that the Sooners were targeting Arizona Cardinals head coachKliff Kingsbury as one of their potential candidates. That obviously strikes a chord with Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who starred at Oklahoma. Murray was asked after Wednesday’s practice about the rumor.
“I know Kliff,” Murray said, via team reporter Darren Urban. “I don’t really buy into it. … I think he’s got a pretty good job right now.” Murray said he does not have a favorite to replace Riley, according to Urban. Murray said he is happy for Riley, though. Kingsbury has just one year left on his contract. He was previously Texas Tech’s head coach from 2013-18.
In six seasons with the Red Riders, Kingsbury only produced two winning seasons. He compiled an overall record of 35-40 at the helm. However, the Cardinals took a risk when they hired their offensive-minded wild card and it has since paid off. Kingsbury, Murray and Arizona sit at 9-2 on the 2021 NFL season. They lead the NFC West and Kingsbury is a frontrunner for NFL Coach of the Year.