Kliff Kingsbury: Texas Tech Made Right Choice Hiring Texas A&M Coordinator

When Tommy Tuberville unexpectedly left for Cincinnati, Texas Tech found itself scrambling for its next head coach.

But hiring Texas A&M offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kliff Kingsbury wasn't a reactionary move; it was the right one.

Kingsbury, who has been mentored by some impressive coaches in Kevin Sumlin and Dana Holgorsen, worked with Heisman winner Johnny Manziel this season at A&M. He also worked with former Houston star Case Keenum from 2010-2011 before following Sumlin to A&M.

To give you an idea of just how dynamic Manziel and Keenum were under Kingsbury's guidance, here's a breakdown, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Info:

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How have the last 2 QB fared under new Texas Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury? Take a look at the numbers yfrog.com/0bht9p

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 13, 2012"

Beyond that, Kingsbury was a star quarterback for Texas Tech from 1998-2002. He left the football program as owner of 39 school records. It's no surprise that he's had success mentoring quarterbacks because he was a pretty darn good one himself back in the day.

Let's be honest, Texas Tech didn't have trouble scoring points this season. The Red Raiders averaged 37.8 points per game (16th in the nation), but still went 7-5 in the regular season and lost four of their last five games because of a defense that ceded 31.8 points per game. In that sense, Kingbury's experience on offense isn't necessarily a need-based hire. 

Still, with senior quarterback Seth Doege headed out and sophomore Michael Brewer the next in line, Kingsbury is a smart hire for Texas Tech's current situation.

It's about more than that, though. You don't earn the trust of guys like Sumlin and Holgorsen without knowing how to coach. The 33-year-old has been praised by Sumlin for his organization and smarts, and he's been around football for most of his life.

It's been a rough few years for Tech ever since firing Mike Leach, but there is hope on the horizon with Kingsbury.