The Curious Case Of Kliff Kingsbury

Despite, what the majority of Kliff Kingsbury supporters want you to think, he’s obviously on the hot seat entering into his fifth season as head ball coach for the Red Raiders. On December 8th, 2012 Tommy Tuberville resigned as head coach for Texas Tech, to the delight of many within the Tech community. Since, Tuberville wasn’t the most supported or well liked coach, whoever took over the reigns next would likely be championed by the fan base. The hiring of the next coach would be in the hands of infamous Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt. I say “infamous” because of his checkered past with the University of Miami football scandal, his abrupt exit from the aforementioned school, as well as his hiring of former Red Raiders Head Basketball coach Billy Gillispie (8-23 in one season with Tech). With that being said, Hocutt’s decision to hire former Texas Tech quarterback Kliff Kingsbury, was met literally with a standing ovation.

During Kingsbury’s introductory press conference, he shined bright like a diamond. That tone continued throughout his first season in 2013, where the team finished with an 8-5 (4-5) record and a Holiday Bowl victory. Expectations were riding sky high going into the 2014 season, a record 38,502 season tickets had been sold. The results of the season however, was a despondent 4-8 (2-7) record. The 2015 season produced better results on the field thanks in large part to Patrick Mahomes and the Red Raiders offense. A Texas Bowl berth against LSU in Houston, was the product of their 7-5 regular season. Texas Tech’s defense did not show up that night against LSU, losing the game 27-56. With Mahomes entering his junior season and David Gibbs taking full control of the defense many thought that Tech were a lock bowl team. That proved to be untrue, after their 3-1 start, they sputtered to a 2-6 finished. Once again, because in large part of poor defense, the team missed a bowl game.

Notwithstanding six NFL draft picks, Kingsbury hasn’t developed enough talent to win in the Big 12 consistently. With a 24-26 record in Kingsbury’s four years, this is the worst period in Texas Tech football history since the 1990-1994 period (Sorry Coach Dykes). As The Curious Case Of Kliff Kingsbury continues to unfold, we all now know the “Golden Boy” wasn’t so golden.