Kingsbury served as head coach of his alma mater, Texas Tech University, from 2013 to 2018 where he coached Sammy Baugh Trophy Winner and future NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes. Prior to being named head coach of the Red Raiders, Kingsbury was the offensive coordinator for Texas A&M University, coaching Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel during the 2012 season. Kingsbury began his coaching career as an assistant for the University of Houston from 2008–2011, where he coached 2x Sammy Baugh Trophy Winner Case Keenum.