Steelers Fans Should Be Grateful: Kliff Kingsbury Backing Out On Vegas Is A "Red Flag" Says Cam Heyward

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently announced the hiring of their new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith. This officially closed the door on the alternative candidates that fans had been eager to hear were potentials. One of those potential candidates was Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury, who was the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2019-22, spent 2023 as the senior offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach at the University of Southern California. 

When news broke that Kingsbury was headed to the Las Vegas Raiders as their offensive coordinator, Steelers fans who had hoped he would end up in the Steel City were disappointed that he was apparently available, and that the organization didn't give him serious consideration. Then, as suddenly as he seemed to land in Vegas, it was announced that he had withdrawn himself from consideration of the position. 

This has led to speculation about why Kingsbury would back out of an apparent commitment. Should Steelers fans be grateful they didn't wind up seriously entertaining Kingsbury? One player sees him backing out of the job as a "red flag."

Steelers defensive end and captain, Cameron Heyward, co-hosts a podcast with his longtime friend, Hayden Walsh. On a recent episode of the show, which is called Not Just Football With Cam Heyward, Walsh asked Heyward what he thinks about the Kingsbury situation. 

"It's always a red flag when a guy backs out on a job, but we'll see what happens," said Heyward.

Kingsbury has apparently accepted a job as the offensive coordinator with the Washington Commanders instead. The Commanders are overhauling their entire coach staff after firing Head Coach Ron Rivera, who also had the say-so over personnel. They recently hired former Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn as their head coach. 

Quinn, who also spent time as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, has an impressive coaching tree, including Kyle Shanahan, Matt LaFleur, Steve Sarkisian and, Mike McDaniel.  

As for why Kingsbury bailed on the Raiders, Heyward and Walsh speculated that Kingsbury may have changed his mind to be able to make a push to draft quarterback Caleb Williams. The Commanders have the second pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and Williams, who played for USC under Kingsbury, is projected to be the first pick in the draft. There is a possibility the Commanders will try to move up to the Chicago Bears' spot and get Williams.   

Heyward also pointed out that money is often a factor in these decisions or because there is a difference in philosophy between the general manager and the coaching staff. Regardless of who ends up being the quarterback in Washington, whether they stick with Sam Howell or move to grab one of the incoming rookies, Heyward said that fans should expect a shootout. Kingsbury is well known for running a fast-paced, passing offense. 

Steelers' New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith Has His Work Cut Out For Him

Heyward has voiced his support of Smith a few times on his show. Smith will definitely have to immediately get a handle on the Steelers' quarterback situation. The Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett in the first round in 2022 and he has failed to live up to expectations so far in his young career. In his two seasons in the Steel City, he only has 13 touchdowns, which are almost negated by his 13 interceptions. 

Near the end of the 2023 season, Pickett was injured and longtime backup Mason Rudolph eventually took over under center. While Rudolph was far from perfect, he was able to move the ball down the field effectively and put points on the board. In fact, under Rudolph, the offense scored 30 or more points (twice) for the first time in a year. 

After his hiring was official, Smith spoke with the media and said that he knows it will be important to build a relationship with Pickett. The way he sees it, it all comes down to trust. Smith also said that he is thrilled to be able to coach in Pittsburgh and is aware of the rich history of excellence that exists here. He has had the honor of working with several former Pittsburgh coaches, including Ken Whisenhunt, Bill Cowher, and Dick LeBeau. He is ready to carry on the tradition of winning. 

What do you think about Kingsbury backing out of joining the Raiders? Click to comment below!

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