Status of Kliff Kingsbury revealed ahead of Cardinals vs. Texans

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of last week’s game against the Cleveland Browns. Kingsbury was forced to miss the game, leaving defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and assistant head coach Jeff Rodgers to split head coaching duties.

Now, Kingsbury has cleared protocols and will be on the sidelines and coaching for the Cardinals on Sunday against the Houston Texans.

“Kliff Kingsbury was just cleared,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted. “He’ll coach today.”

The Cardinals had no problems last week without Kingsbury, defeating the Browns 37-14. Arizona is now 6-0 on the season and is the lone undefeated team remaining in the NFL.

Sunday’s kickoff between the Texans and Cardinals is set for 4:25 p.m. ET in Arizona.

Kingsbury is in his third year as the Cardinals head coach

Kingsbury got his first shot as a head coach in 2013 at Texas Tech. He coached them to an 8-5 record in his first year, winning the Holiday Bowl. Texas Tech saw mixed results under Kingsbury, as he coached to a 35-40 career record in six seasons. Kingsbury was known for creating dynamic offenses, leading to him getting NFL interest.

In December of 2018, Kingsbury was hired as the next offensive coordinator at USC. That stint was short lived, as he resigned a month later to pursue NFL interest. After interviewing with the New York Jets and Cardinals, Kingsbury was hired as the next head coach in Arizona in early January.

The Cardinals went 5-10-1 in Kingsbury’s first year, finishing last in the NFC West. Last season, Arizona went 8-8. And so far this season, the Cardinals are the best team in the NFL as the only undefeated team remaining.

Kingsbury has a dynamic, young quarterback at his disposal with the Cardinals in Kyler Murray, who has completed nearly 74% of his passes for 1,741 yards, 14 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also has 116 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns.