CONGRATULATIONS: Kliff Kingsbury , Former Texas Tech Red Raiders Football Coach, Awarded the Prestigious National Football Foundation Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to the Game of Football… Read more
**Kliff Kingsbury Awarded Prestigious National Football Foundation Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution to the Game of Football**
*May 5, 2025 – New York, NY* — In a moment that brought standing ovations and heartfelt tributes from football luminaries past and present, Kliff Kingsbury, former Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach and longtime contributor to the game at both the collegiate and professional levels, was awarded the National Football Foundation’s highest honor—the Gold Medal—for his outstanding and lasting impact on the sport of football.
The ceremony, held at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, was attended by coaches, players, executives, and fans from across the country. Kingsbury, known as much for his innovative offensive mind as for his mentorship of elite quarterbacks, became only the 65th recipient of the prestigious award, placing him alongside legends such as Vince Lombardi, Tom Osborne, and Bill Belichick.
“Kliff Kingsbury redefined modern offensive football,” said NFF Chairman Archie Manning during the presentation. “But more importantly, he’s influenced generations of young men both on and off the field. This award recognizes his role not just as a coach, but as a builder of character and leader of men.”
Kingsbury, 45, began his coaching career at the University of Houston as a quality control coach before rising quickly through the ranks. After stints at Texas A\&M and USC, he took the reins at his alma mater, Texas Tech, in 2013. While his head coaching tenure in Lubbock was marked by highs and lows in terms of wins and losses, his development of quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes helped cement his reputation as one of the most forward-thinking offensive minds in football.
Following his time at Texas Tech, Kingsbury briefly accepted the offensive coordinator position at USC before quickly being hired as head coach of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals. He spent four seasons in the NFL, leading the Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021 and playing a pivotal role in the maturation of quarterback Kyler Murray.
After a year abroad as an offensive analyst, Kingsbury returned to the college game, serving in multiple coaching and advisory roles, most recently as a senior offensive consultant for a Power Five program. Though often described as a “quiet architect,” his influence has been seen in the schemes now used across college and professional football.
In his acceptance speech, Kingsbury paid tribute to the mentors and players who shaped his journey.
“I’ve been incredibly blessed to walk this path with some of the brightest minds and most dedicated athletes in the world,” Kingsbury said. “Football has given me more than I could ever return—but I’ve always tried to give it my all. This honor isn’t just mine. It belongs to every player I’ve coached, every staff member I’ve worked with, and every community that’s embraced me.”
The evening also featured surprise appearances from Patrick Mahomes, who credited Kingsbury with helping him unlock his full potential, and former Texas Tech players who spoke of Kingsbury’s loyalty and enduring belief in their potential.
As the spotlight shone on him during the final ovation, Kingsbury appeared humbled, reflective, and—as always—laser-focused on what comes next.
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