Gary Kubiak, 59, Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator, is retiring from the NFL

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Vikings will soon be looking for their sixth offensive coordinator since 2014.

Gary Kubiak, who has been in the franchise since 2019 and spent the last season as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator, announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday after 36 seasons as a coach and player.

“I’ve been on a soccer field for most of my life and I’m looking forward to retiring from the game and spending more time with my family and friends,” Kubiak said in a statement. “I sincerely thank the owners and fans of the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and San Francisco 49ers for giving me the opportunity to be part of this great game, and me and my family as well treat well the years.

“I will miss the competition, the planning, the match days and being part of a team. Most of all, I appreciate the friendships I have made with players, coaches and staff along the way. I love the game of football and will be for always be his biggest fan. “

This is the second time Kubiak has announced his retirement from football in the past four years. Citing post-2016 health concerns, Kubiak retired as head coach of the Broncos a year after leading Denver to a Super Bowl 50 championship. He is the only one in NFL history who played in the Super Bowl and later won as a head coach with the same team.

Kubiak returned to the Broncos six months after retiring in 2017 and worked with the Scouting team as a senior recruiter for two seasons. He was hired by Vikings coach Mike Zimmer in 2019 to lead the offensive as advisor and deputy head coach, while Kevin Stefanski named games as offensive coordinator. After Stefanski was hired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Kubiak took over the coordinator role.

“Gary has done an excellent job with the Vikings over the past two seasons,” said Zimmer. “I have a lot of respect for him as a coach and as a person and I’m glad I was able to train with him. He’s had a hell of a career in the NFL as a player, assistant coach and head coach, and I’m very happy for Gary and his.” Ms. Rhonda as they leave for her ranch. We will all miss Gary from the Viking Organization and wish him well. “

In Kubiaks one season as offensive coordinator, the Vikings took fourth place on offense and eleventh place on the standings. Quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​bounced back from 10 interceptions in his first six games, ending a 7-9 campaign with 35 career touchdowns.

Dalvin Cook, who ran back, earned MVP consideration as he plunged to a career high of 1,557 yards and 17 touchdowns while Justin Jefferson broke the franchise’s record for catches and yards as a rookie and with 1,400 yards in his first NFL season second of all time is.

According to several league sources, the Vikings are considering promoting from the inside out to fill the offensive coordinator’s opening. Kubiak’s son Klint arrived with his father in 2019 as the Vikings quarterbacks coach and could stand in line to take over his father’s post. Klint Kubiak, 33, has never played in the NFL.

The offensive line coach / run game coordinator Rick Dennison and the tight-end coach Brian Pariani were also brought to Gary Kubiak in 2019.