by Patrick Mahomes and Kliff Kingsbury: A Dynamic Collaboration Built on Mutual Respect
When Patrick Mahomes entered the NFL as the 10th overall pick in the 2017 draft, few could have predicted the level of success he would achieve so quickly. In just his second season as a starter, Mahomes was named MVP after throwing for over 5000 yards and 50 touchdowns. His incredible playmaking ability and penchant for jaw-dropping throws have cemented him as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks.
While Mahomes’ God-given talent is undeniable, his development did not happen overnight. A key figure in shaping Mahomes into the player he is today was his former college coach, Kliff Kingsbury. As head coach at Texas Tech from 2013 to 2018, Kingsbury helped unleash Mahomes’ potential through an offensive system perfectly tailored to his strengths. Their dynamic collaboration was built on a foundation of mutual trust, respect, and a shared commitment to maximizing Mahomes’ prodigious skills.
College Recruitment
Kingsbury first took notice of Mahomes while scouting high school prospects in 2012. At the time, Mahomes was also considering a baseball career, having been drafted by the Detroit Tigers. However, Kingsbury saw something special in Mahomes’ arm talent and playmaking ability. He made a strong recruiting push, eventually convincing Mahomes that focusing on football full-time was the best path forward.
Bringing Mahomes to Lubbock was a gamble for Kingsbury, as Mahomes had not received many Division I offers due to his unorthodox mechanics and baseball commitment. But Kingsbury had a vision for how Mahomes could thrive in his high-octane offensive system. His recruitment of Mahomes proved to be a masterstroke, as Mahomes went on to shatter numerous school records during his three years as Texas Tech’s starter.
Air Raid Offense
The scheme Kingsbury installed at Texas Tech was a pass-heavy spread offense known as the “Air Raid.” Pioneered by coaches like Hal Mumme and Mike Leach, the Air Raid emphasizes quick passes, route combinations, and getting the ball out of the quarterback’s hands rapidly. This style of offense was a perfect match for Mahomes’ improvisational skills and cannon arm.
In the Air Raid, Mahomes was given the freedom to check into different plays and look off safeties before unleashing deep shots. He frequently operated outside of the structure of traditional plays, keeping defenses on their heels with his scrambling ability. Kingsbury’s system maximized Mahomes’ strengths while minimizing potential weaknesses in his mechanics. It allowed Mahomes’ talent and football IQ to shine through on full display in Lubbock.
Development as a Player
While the Air Raid provided an optimal framework, Kingsbury also played an integral role in developing Mahomes as a quarterback. He worked tirelessly with Mahomes on refining his footwork, balance, and throwing motion. Kingsbury stressed fundamentals and mechanics, knowing these areas needed work for Mahomes to reach his ceiling. However, he balanced this technical coaching with an emphasis on letting Mahomes play freely within the structure of the offense.
Kingsbury gave Mahomes full control over audibles and adjustments at the line of scrimmage. He encouraged Mahomes to trust his instincts and make off-schedule plays when things broke down. This balance of structure and freedom fostered Mahomes’ growth while still catering to his gunslinger mentality. By his junior year, Mahomes led the nation in passing yards (5,052) and touchdowns (53), cementing his status as a top NFL prospect.
Thriving in the System
From the moment he stepped on campus, it was evident Mahomes was a perfect fit for Kingsbury’s offense. In his first season as the starter in 2014, Mahomes threw for over 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns despite only starting 8 games due to injuries. He showcased his rare combination of arm talent, athleticism, and improvisational flair. Mahomes made spectacular plays look routine and routinely shredded defenses with his downfield accuracy.
The numbers Mahomes put up in Kingsbury’s system were otherworldly. He set or tied over 40 school records during his three seasons, including career marks in passing yards (11,252), touchdowns (93), completions (931), and total offensive yards (12,097). Mahomes dominated the Big 12, leading the conference in passing twice and total offense once. He proved to be the ideal quarterback to run Kingsbury’s high-octane offense.
Respect for His Coach
While producing gaudy stats, Mahomes never forgot the coach who believed in him early and developed him into a star. He consistently spoke glowingly about Kingsbury’s influence, both as a tactician and mentor. Mahomes credited Kingsbury for giving him structure to succeed within the framework of the Air Raid while also empowering him to play freely. He acknowledged Kingsbury’s technical coaching improved facets of his game like footwork and reads.
Off the field, Mahomes praised Kingsbury for being a role model and helping him mature as a man. Even after leaving for the NFL, Mahomes has remained complimentary of Kingsbury. He sees their collaboration as instrumental in his development into the quarterback he is today. Mahomes understands Kingsbury took a chance on him early and played a huge part in his football journey. Their strong bond has endured long after their time together at Texas Tech.
Lasting Mutual Admiration
The respect between Mahomes and Kingsbury is clearly mutual. Even after Kingsbury moved on to head coaching jobs in college and the NFL, he has continued singing Mahomes’ praises. Kingsbury has said coaching Mahomes was one of the highlights of his career due to his work ethic, talent, and drive to improve. He believes wholeheartedly in Mahomes’ abilities and is not surprised by his unprecedented early success in Kansas City.
Kingsbury understands, above all, that he found the perfect quarterback to run his system and maximize his skills. Their partnership allowed both to achieve great heights – Kingsbury with some of the most prolific offenses in college football history, and Mahomes in blossoming into a superstar NFL quarterback. Though their paths diverged professionally, the admiration between coach and player has endured. Their dynamic collaboration showcases what can happen when the right coach identifies and nurtures a special talent.
The Recipe for Success
The productive relationship between Mahomes and Kingsbury demonstrated several key factors that fostered strong development:
Finding the Right Fit – Kingsbury recognized Mahomes’ talents matched his offensive scheme. The Air Raid gave Mahomes optimal freedom.
Freedom with Guidance – While empowering Mahomes’ playmaking, Kingsbury provided structure with fundamentals and mechanics coaching.
Mutual Trust and Respect – They communicated openly and supported one another’s visions, building a strong bond that endures today.
While Mahomes’ God-given abilities cannot be taught, Kingsbury played an integral role in maximizing his potential. His system allowed Mahomes to flourish from the start, while his coaching and mentorship helped Mahomes progress each year. Their dynamic collaboration shows how the right coach can identify a player’s strengths and cultivate them into superstar ability. Both Mahomes and Kingsbury deserve credit for a partnership that has elevated each to the highest levels of football success. Their story demonstrates the importance of the coach-player relationship for development.
