KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes will see a familiar face during this week’s pregame. Kliff Kingsbury and the Washington Commanders (3-4) are visiting the Chiefs (4-3) on Monday Night Football (7:15 p.m. CT, ESPN/ABC, KMBC Ch. 9, 96.5 The Fan).

This will mark the second time Mahomes has started against Kingsbury, after leading his team to a 44-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the 2022 season opener.

However, their history goes back to the time when Clark Hunt was finalizing the contract of Andy Reid as head coach.

At that time, Kingsbury — now the Commanders’ offensive coordinator — was working with quarterbacks at Texas Tech, shaping Mahomes’ unique playing style.

While most college coaches were searching for quarterbacks to fit their system, Kingsbury was willing to build an offense around a truly exceptional player. Mahomes recalled, “You kind of hear that undertone of, ‘You can’t play that way,’ but Coach Kingsbury never, ever forced me to be just a pocket passer or hold the ball a certain way. He just let me be me.” He added that Kingsbury helped him with footwork and reading progressions, but always allowed him the freedom to express himself on the field. “When it came to game time, he said, ‘Once you get out there, go play your game.’”

Mahomes explained that this freedom was crucial to his development, allowing him to maximize his skills without being restricted by conventional norms. He fondly remembered intense but rewarding practice sessions where Kingsbury guided him step by step while still letting him experiment and create. Sources close to the team revealed that Kingsbury’s trust helped Mahomes gain confidence and develop lightning-fast decision-making abilities on the field. These early experiences laid the foundation for the spectacular wins he would later achieve.

Patrick emphasized that being allowed to play his way enabled him to perform at his peak, producing remarkable plays that stunned fans worldwide. A team insider noted that Mahomes often said Kingsbury wasn’t just a coach, but someone who helped him realize his full potential and encouraged him to break limits. That mutual respect remains strong, even as they now face each other on opposing sidelines.

This week’s game is more than just a regular NFL matchup; it is a deeply personal moment as Mahomes faces the coach who helped shape his career. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Mahomes can turn his past experiences into a competitive edge against Kingsbury. Behind-the-scenes stories like these show that freedom, trust, and creativity were key elements that helped Mahomes become one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks.

In conclusion, Mahomes highlighted that Kingsbury’s coaching style — guiding while granting freedom — was essential to his growth. It not only taught him football skills but also built his confidence and decisiveness on the field, making him the superstar he is today. NFL fans are watching with excitement as the Mahomes-Kingsbury story continues to unfold on the gridiron.