**ESPN News Verified: Former Texas Tech Star Kliff Kingsbury Returns to Red Raiders as Senior Coaching Staff Member**
LUBBOCK, TX — In a move that brings one of the most iconic figures in Texas Tech football history back to where it all began, ESPN has officially confirmed that former Red Raiders quarterback and head coach Kliff Kingsbury is returning to his alma mater as part of the senior coaching staff.
Kingsbury, who starred as Texas Tech’s quarterback from 1999 to 2002, remains one of the most prolific passers in NCAA history. During his time under legendary coach Mike Leach, Kingsbury helped revolutionize the college passing game with his mastery of the Air Raid offense. He threw for over 12,000 career yards and 95 touchdowns, earning him Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2002 and a spot in the hearts of Red Raider fans forever.
Now, Kingsbury is coming back to Lubbock, this time in a senior advisory role. According to sources, he will work closely with the offensive coaching staff, providing strategic insight, quarterback development, and leadership as Texas Tech continues its push to climb the Big 12 ranks under head coach Joey McGuire.
“Having Kliff back is a huge win for our program,” McGuire said in a press release. “He knows what it means to wear the Double T, and he brings an incredible level of experience from both college football and the NFL. His presence in our locker room and on the field will be invaluable.”
Kingsbury’s coaching journey has taken him from Lubbock to the NFL and back again. After serving as Texas Tech’s head coach from 2013 to 2018, where he coached future NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes, Kingsbury moved on to the NFL. He spent four seasons as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022 and most recently served as an offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach at USC in 2023, helping guide Heisman winner Caleb Williams.
Now, with his return to Texas Tech, Kingsbury is poised to make a major impact on a program that has shown flashes of potential but is looking to return to consistent national prominence. His familiarity with the culture, fanbase, and offensive philosophy makes him an ideal fit as a mentor to both players and young coaches.
In a brief statement, Kingsbury expressed his excitement: “Texas Tech has always been home to me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to return and contribute to a program that means so much to my life and my career. I’m excited to get to work.”
Red Raider Nation is already buzzing with excitement. Social media lit up as fans and former players reacted to the news, calling Kingsbury’s return “the best thing to happen to Tech football in years.” With his football mind, recruiting appeal, and deep ties to the school, his return could be a turning point for the Red Raiders.
As Texas Tech gears up for the 2025 season, expectations just got a lot higher — and Kliff Kingsbury is once again right in the middle of the action.
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