Kliff Kingsbury comments on open Oklahoma job

Lincoln Riley turned the college football world upside down on Sunday, leaving Oklahoma for USC. For the first time in a longtime, the Sooners will be conducting a nation wide coaching search.

One of the names that have already popped up in Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Oklahoma has “targeted” him as a potential replacement.

The former Texas Tech head coach was asked about the report on Monday, refusing the comment. He said he is focusing on the Cardinals’ upcoming game against Chicago.

“I don’t get into those things,” Kingsbury said. “My sole focus the last couple of weeks has been the Chicago Bears.”

Kingsbury was later asked why he would not deny the rumors. He said since Arizona is in the middle of the season, and playing well, he did not want to comment on anything.

“We’re in-season, we’re 9-and-2, just not a topic I want to touch right now,” Kingsbury said.

His original move to the NFL was questioned but Kingsbury has turned the Cardinals into one of the best teams in the NFC. Alongside the play of quarterback Kyler Murray, the former Big 12 duo is 22-20-1 over three seasons, but are 9-2 this season.

Kingsbury making the move to Oklahoma would reunite with back in his old conference. He was the Texas Tech head coach for six seasons, leading the Red Raiders to a 35-40 record and three bowl games.

After being fired in Lubbock, Kingsbury accepted the USC offensive coordinator job. Less than a month later, he was hired by Arizona to be their head coach.

JJ Watt comments on Kingsbury to Oklahoma rumors

Arizona Cardinals star defensive end JJ Watt commented on the rumors about head coach Kliff Kingsbury being targeted by Oklahoma as their new head coach. Watt took to Twitter to joke and laugh at the rumors, saying how impressed he was that his coach had time to negotiate with a college team while winning games in Arizona.

“Killin’ it on the field and at the negotiating table. I see ya Kliff!”

Oklahoma has a brand new coaching vacancy as of Sunday when former head coach Lincoln Riley accepted the coaching position at USC. Rumors began about Kingsbury when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported shortly afterward that Oklahoma was eyeing the Cardinals’ coach as a potential replacement.

While not available on the field after a potentially season-ending injury, Watt is still a vocal team leader and presence. His ability to speak up and help cool the rumors will certainly help some people relax and focus on the Cardinals’ current season.