In 16 seasons of coaching, the following quarterbacks have or will start for Kliff Kingsbury:
-- Case Keenum: A 4-year starter at Houston, now a 12-year NFL quarterback
-- Johnny Manziel: A Heisman Trophy winner and 1st round NFL draft pick
-- Baker Mayfield: A Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 NFL draft pick
-- Davis Webb: A 6-year NFL quarterback, now the quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos
-- Patrick Mahomes: The best quarterback of his generation
-- Nic Shimonek: A training camp/practice squad player for the Chargers and Commanders
-- Alan Bowman: Incredibly, still in college
-- Kyler Murray: Heisman winner, No. 1 pick, Offensive Rookie of the Year, 2-time Pro Bowler
-- Caleb Williams: Heisman winner, presumptive 2024 No. 1 draft pick
And now he'll be on the bench for USC's coaching staff.
The FootballScoop staff got together to discuss the many ways Kliff Kingsbury joining the USC staff can benefit Lincoln Riley, USC, and Kliff.
Kingsbury and Riley's relationship dates back to 2002, in Lubbock, Texas. In fact, Kingsbury inadvertently started Riley's coaching career. Kingsbury was Texas Tech's fifth-year senior quarterback when Riley arrived in Lubbock as a freshman quarterback out of Muleshoe High School. Kingsbury's skills and command of the offense was a part of the education process for the 18-year-old Riley that if he was to stick around in college football, it'd be as a coach, not a player.
Twenty-one years later, they're arguably the best quarterbacks coaches on the planet, united in Los Angeles to turn USC into the quarterback destination for all aspiring Heisman Trophy winners and No. 1 draft picks.
Despite what many might assume, Kingsbury is a grinder. With no responsibilities beyond ball, he can now work as long as he wants at maximizing the Trojans' offense.
Scott, John and myself discussed how Lincoln and Kliff will work together, what Kliff's presence may indicate about how Lincoln views his role moving forward, and just how scary the USC offense could be in years to come.
Required podcast disclaimer: If you like the FootballScoop podcast, please rate and review as this will help us grow and keep us delivering this football-focused episodes. Maybe even tell a friend. Or an enemy. Thank you.