Count Kliff Kingsbury out of the Jets head coaching search.
The USC offensive coordinator and former Texas Tech head coach has agreed to a four-year deal, with a fifth-year option, to become head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Arizona announced his new title Tuesday afternoon.
It was initially reported that Kingsbury, 39, was denied permission from USC to pursue NFL coaching opportunities but interviewed with the Jets on Monday before meeting with the Cardinals on Tuesday.
Kingsbury, who has no NFL coaching experience, was fired as Texas Tech head coach in November after a 35-40 record over six seasons and was hired by USC in December.
At Texas Tech, Kingsbury helped develop Patrick Mahomes and coached Baker Mayfield for a season before he transferred to Oklahoma.
Kingsbury was viewed as an outside-the-box, offensive-minded coach who could potentially help Sam Darnold's development.
SNY's Ralph Vacchiano warned that the Jets would be better off avoiding Kingsbury or any college coach who lacked NFL experience.
The Jets have already interviewed former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, Lions head coach Jim Caldwell, Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, former Dolphins head coach Adam Gase and Cowboys defensive backs coach Kris Richard, and are expected to interview Bucs offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Baylor head coach Matt Rhule on Tuesday.
