Kliff Kingsbury is going back to college, joining the Southern California coaching staff as an offensive assistant focusing on quarterback development.

Kingsbury’s official title under Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley will be senior offensive assistant. NFL Network and The Athletic reported the news Monday night.

Kingsbury was fired as head coach of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals at the end of the 2022 season after a four-win season that came on the heels of a playoff appearance in 2021.

His rise through the coaching ranks as a disciple of the late Mike Leach included coaching at Texas Tech. With the Red Raiders, Kingsbury coached Patrick Mahomes, Baker Mayfield, and in Arizona he led the selection and development of No. 1 pick Kyler Murray. As a coach at Texas A&M and Houston, Kingsbury also had pupils turned pros such as Case Keenum (Houston), Johnny Manziel (during his Texas A&M freshman, Heisman Trophy-winning season) and Davis Webb (Texas Tech).

Kingsbury, 43, went 28-37-1 in his four seasons with the Cardinals.

USC has another top-rated passer — Caleb Williams — most expect to enter the NFL in 2024. He set USC single-season records for passing touchdowns (42) and passing yards (4,537).

–Field Level Media