Vikings: 3 best replacements for Gary Kubiak as OC
By John Buhler
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Minnesota Vikings. player. Quarterbacks Coach. Klint Kubiak. 1. 60
If he is as good as his father, then this could be a great promotion from within
The likeliest candidate to replace Kubiak is his son, Klint Kubiak. The younger Kubiak had been on his father’s Broncos staff prior to arriving in the Twin Cities. They came to Minnesota back in 2019 with the younger Kubiak serving as the quarterbacks coach. Could this be viewed as nepotism? Yes, but Minnesota already has a strong reputation of promoting offensive minds from within.
After John DeFilippo did not work out replacing Pat Shurmur, the Vikings promoted from within and gave the gig to Stefanski. In a year-and-change in the offensive coordinator role, Stefanski was named the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. In one year, he led the Browns to the postseason for the first time since 2002, winning a playoff game for the first time since 1994.
Kubiak’s father replaced Stefanski this past season, and we would not be surprised if the 30-something succeeds his father in Minneapolis. Because he has been Cousins’ quarterbacks coach the last two years, this gives him a very strong chance at getting the job. He can focus on the passing game, while run game coordinator Rick Dennison focuses in on the ground game.
Because head coach Mike Zimmer has a certain way he wants his offense to be played around his defensive-centric football team, promoting offensive position coaches from within seem to be in line with his team-building philosophy. Kubiak is seen as the favorite to succeed his father. It may come across as odd, but the Vikings have earned the benefit of the doubt to do what they want.
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Overall, the Vikings are probably going to keep this coaching search close to the vest. It may not end up being a sexy hire at offensive coordinator, but they probably would not want to have it any other way. As long as Zimmer is the head coach, they will be looking for a certain type of offensive mind to pair with his defensive culture. Could it be Schottenheimer, Kafka or the younger Kubiak?
We should trust Zimmer and the Vikings brass to make the best decision to replace Kubiak.