The architect behind the ascension of Patrick Mahomes as a college quarterback finds himself looking for a new job, and the successful of his former pupil expects to make Kliff Kingsbury a popular candidate as an offensive coach ing both the NFL and college ranks.
Mahomes gives his former mentor at Texas Tech a hearty endorsement as an NFL coach.
“I haven't talked to him at all about where he's thinking about going or where he's thinking about ending up,” Mahomes said. “But I know if he did come to the NFL, he has the work ethic and he as the mind and he has the innovativeness, I guess you would say, to be in this league.”
Mahomes visited Kingsbury on the sidelines before Texas Tech's 35-24 loss to Baylor Saturday. That dropped the Red Raiders to 5-7 on the season, and led to the dismissal of the coach. Kingsbury compiled a 35-40 record as head coach at his alma mater. But the eye-popping stats Mahomes posted at Texas Tech – including 5,052 yards and 41 touchdowns against just 10 interceptions during his junior campaign – put Kingsbury on the top of coaching lists for his ability to mentor young quarterbacks.
“I'm close to coach Kingsbury, he really helped my game and helped me as a person a lot,” Mahomes said. “He's a genuine good person but at the same time a very smart football coach. I know he'll land back on his feet somewhere else and I'm excited for the future with him.”
Whether he chooses the pro or college ranks, Mahomes had no doubt Kingsbury will find a good fit.
“Whatever he does, I know he'll have success doing it,” Mahomes said.
