by Kliff Kingsbury’s Impact on Patrick Mahomes’ Development
When Patrick Mahomes emerged as the NFL’s newest superstar quarterback in 2018, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to the AFC Championship in his first season as a starter, many were quick to credit his natural talent and athletic gifts. However, Mahomes’ journey to stardom was influenced by many coaches and systems along the way. One of the most important figures in shaping Mahomes early on was his college head coach at Texas Tech – Kliff Kingsbury.
While at Texas Tech from 2013-2016, Kingsbury helped groom Mahomes into one of the most prolific passers in college football history. Kingsbury’s innovative offensive schemes and quarterback-friendly system were the perfect environment for Mahomes to develop his arm talent and playmaking instincts. Even after Mahomes left for the NFL, Kingsbury’s fingerprints could still be seen on Mahomes’ game. Their time together in Lubbock served as the foundation for Mahomes’ breakout success with the Chiefs.
Kingsbury’s Offensive Philosophy
To understand Kingsbury’s impact on Mahomes, it’s important to examine Kingsbury’s offensive philosophy which he brought to Texas Tech. Kingsbury came from the “Air Raid” coaching tree, having learned the system from its creator Mike Leach during his playing days at Texas Tech in the late 90s. The Air Raid emphasizes spreading the field with four and five wide receiver sets, utilizing the entire field, and putting an emphasis on passing over running the ball.
This style of wide-open offense was ahead of its time when Kingsbury took over as Texas Tech’s offensive coordinator in 2008 at just 27 years old. It created mismatches and stressed defenses vertically and horizontally. The system was quarterback-friendly, allowing the QB to make quick decisions and distribute the ball to playmakers in space. It was the perfect scheme to showcase a quarterback’s arm talent like Mahomes’.
Under Kingsbury, Texas Tech led the nation in passing offense multiple times. His offenses broke numerous FBS records and produced quarterbacks like Graham Harrell who still hold career NCAA records. Kingsbury instilled confidence in his quarterbacks to push the ball downfield aggressively. He gave them freedom at the line of scrimmage to change plays based on the defensive look. This type of quarterback-centric system and mentality would serve Mahomes well at the next level.
Mentorship and Development
When Mahomes arrived at Texas Tech prior to the 2014 season, Kingsbury took the young quarterback under his wing. Kingsbury worked tirelessly with Mahomes to refine his mechanics and footwork. He challenged Mahomes mentally by having him fully command the offense as a true freshman. Kingsbury pushed Mahomes to make quick decisions and process defenses at the line of scrimmage.
Mahomes soaked up everything Kingsbury taught him. In practice, Kingsbury would simulate two-minute drill scenarios to prepare Mahomes for clutch moments. He instilled a gunslinger mentality in Mahomes to let it rip even when plays broke down. Kingsbury’s confidence in Mahomes was unwavering from day one. He turned Mahomes loose early on to sling the ball all over the field.
The trust and development from Kingsbury accelerated Mahomes’ progression. By his sophomore season in 2015, Mahomes led the nation in passing yards and total offense. He shattered school and conference records that still stand today. Kingsbury praised Mahomes for his football IQ and ability to make any throw from any arm angle. Their player-coach bond was strong, with Mahomes crediting Kingsbury for helping unlock his potential.
Offensive System Familiarity
When Mahomes entered the 2017 NFL Draft process, his experience in Kingsbury’s wide-open system gave him a major advantage over other quarterback prospects. Teams running similar offensive schemes were intrigued by Mahomes’ skillset and the system he operated in at Texas Tech. His familiarity with a pass-heavy scheme meant he would likely pick it up faster at the next level.
This was crucial for a team like the Kansas City Chiefs, who run an offensive scheme very similar to Kingsbury’s under Andy Reid. Reid is one of the most innovative offensive minds in the NFL and his system emphasizes spreading the field and getting the ball to playmakers in space. Mahomes’ three years in Kingsbury’s Air Raid offense made him an ideal fit for what Reid wants to do in Kansas City.
Mahomes’ footwork, mechanics, and ability to process defenses that he learned under Kingsbury translated seamlessly to Reid’s scheme. His experience taking snaps from the shotgun and making pre-snap adjustments carried over. Kingsbury helped prepare Mahomes to thrive immediately as a rookie starter in the NFL without a long developmental period. Their shared offensive philosophies gave Mahomes confidence in his abilities from day one with the Chiefs.
Offensive Mindset and Improvisation
One of the biggest impacts Kingsbury had on Mahomes was cultivating his creative, improvisational mindset both in and out of structure. Kingsbury stresses letting quarterbacks play freely and making something out of nothing when plays break down. This mentality has become a hallmark of Mahomes’ game in Kansas City.
At Texas Tech, Kingsbury encouraged Mahomes to take chances downfield even when under duress. He gave Mahomes the green light to scramble and make off-schedule throws. Kingsbury wanted Mahomes to think on his feet and make a defender miss to extend plays. These instincts have led to countless highlight-reel plays for Mahomes with the Chiefs where he turns certain sacks into big gains.
Kingsbury also preached playing with a short memory and not being afraid to get back up after a mistake. He empowered Mahomes to sling the ball regardless of the situation. These lessons have manifested in Mahomes’ gunslinger play style where he is ultra aggressive even when the Chiefs are protecting a lead late. Kingsbury’s influence lives on in Mahomes’ confidence to make a big play at any moment.
The Legacy Continues
When examining Patrick Mahomes’ otherworldly success so early in his NFL career, it’s clear Kliff Kingsbury played a major role in his development. Kingsbury cultivated Mahomes’ talents in an offense that was the perfect proving ground for his immense abilities. He gave Mahomes the tools and mindset to thrive at football’s highest level. Kingsbury’s fingerprints remain on Mahomes’ game through his passing acumen, pre-snap command, and daring improvisational skills.
As Mahomes continues shattering NFL records and leading the Chiefs’ dynasty, Kingsbury deserves credit for laying the foundation. Kingsbury helped turn a raw talent into the most unique quarterback of this generation. While other coaches have contributed since, Kingsbury was the first to unlock Mahomes’ full potential. His influence on Mahomes is a big reason why the Chiefs have a superstar under center for years to come. Kingsbury may be gone from Lubbock, but his offensive genius lives on through Patrick Mahomes’ transcendent playmaking.
