A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Kiesling played college football at the University of St. Thomas where he was selected as an all-state player from 1923 to 1925.

[5][7] In the fall of 1926, Kiesling joined the Duluth Eskimos of the National Football League (NFL), appearing in 11 games as a tackle for a team that featured star backs Ernie Nevers and Johnny Blood.

"[17] During his NFL career, Kiesling lived in Saint Paul in the off-season, operating a cafe and playing as a pitcher and outfielder for a semi-pro baseball team.

At the time of his signing, the Green Bay Press-Gazette wrote: Kiesling is one of the most experienced players in the pro grid game.

Practically no one gains through his side of the line consistently ... Kiesling never dissipates, and trains in the year around, remaining always in top condition.

[21] Kiesling led the Steelers to a 2–7–2 record during the 1940 season and was replaced by Bert Bell and Aldo Donelli in 1941.

Kiesling resumed his role as head coach near the end of the 1941 season, leading the team to a 1–2–1 in the final four games.

[21] Kiesling led the 1942 Steelers to a 7–4 record, the first winning season in club history since the team was formed in 1933.

In 1943, with so many players lost to military service, the Steelers were temporarily merged with the Philadelphia Eagles to form the Steagles.

[21] In 1944, the Steelers were still lacking players due to the war and formed a one-year merger with the Chicago Cardinals, operating under the name Card-Pitt.

[25] Hours after resigning his position with the Steelers, Kiesling was hired as assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers.

At the time, Curly Lambeau called Kiesling the top line coach in college or professional football.

[21] Kiesling is often remembered as the coach who released Johnny Unitas, a player widely acclaimed as one of the greatest in NFL history.

Kiesling was satisfied with Jim Finks and Ted Marchibroda as his quarterbacks and was unimpressed by the gangly Unitas.

Steelers' owner Art Rooney considered firing him, but concluded that loyalty outweighed winning.

"[39] Kiesling's health was poor during the 1956 season, yet he returned for the pre-season in 1957, finally retiring in late August 1957.