Report: Kliff Kingsbury considering drastic action after USC blocks him from taking NFL interviews
Former Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury was fired after the 2018 season, but landed at USC as the Trojans’ new offensive coordinator.
However, now it appears he probably should have waited, as NFL teams are interested in interviewing the offensive guru for head coaching positions. That has angered USC AD Lynn Swann, though, as he has blocked NFL teams from talking to Kingsbury.
With his hand forced, it seems Kingsbury may be considering a drastic action. Per Pro Football Talk, Kingsbury is considering resigning as USC’s offensive coordinator so he can explore NFL opportunities:
Blocked by A.D. Lynn Swann from interviewing for Jets and Cardinals head-coaching jobs, there's a chance USC offensive coordinator Kliff Kingbury will resign so that he can explore NFL opportunities. Story coming at PFT.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 5, 2019
Kingsbury is an innovative offensive mind, and he led Texas Tech to a few successful seasons during his time there, so it’s no surprise he has interest from the NFL.
Of course, there’s a chance he could resign and then not land an NFL job, but we’ll see if he takes the risk or not soon. Or, perhaps, Swann and USC will change their minds and let him interview.
Dumb. What is Swan thinking. It’s not a good look for him, Helton or the school. If he wants to explore the no fun league he will. One way or another.
Lost a lot of good peeps in my 34 years in construction. Had many ask me about taking a job elsewhere for more money, benefits and or position in the company. I told them all to not pass it up. Why would you try to keep a man from a better deal.
Awesome that you would want the best for someone else. Too bad that seems to be rarer these days.
What would be crazy is if he left usc to interview for nfl jobs didn’t get any and then became the oc of Tennessee vols
Let Tennessee have Chaney, I’d like to have Kingsbury at UGA.
Bad move by Swann. This will come back to bite him in the *ss and is not a good look for the Trojans. If the Not For Long league wants to hire Kliff, they will both find a way to make it happen. Kliff will have plenty of other opportunities better than USC’s Offensive Coordinator if an NFL HC position doesn’t materialize.
Bad move by Swann. You can’t and shouldn’t try to control someone else’s life. I think Swann’s power has gone to his head which is a shame. He was a great player.
I think it’s a bad look for both of them. I understand Swan being angry that he’s wanting to bolt even before he collects his first paycheck, but blocking him is not the solution. Kingsbury shouldn’t have accepted the job unless he was sure it was what he wanted. He’s burned a bridge with his current employer now. Time for them to part ways, because it will always be awkward.