It appears as if Kevin Stefanski’s replacement has been named.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday morning that the Vikings are turning to offensive advisor Gary Kubiak as their new offensive coordinator. Kubiak helped construct the 2019 offense with Stefanski, the team’s play-caller who accepted the Cleveland Browns’ head coaching job on Jan. 12.
The #Vikings are turning to a familiar face for their new OC: Gary Kubiak, who has been an assistant head coach and offensive advisor, is taking over as the offensive coordinator, sources say. His impact was felt quickly in Minnesota and now he sticks around.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2020
At his season-ending press conference, head coach Mike Zimmer expressed his desire to maintain continuity on the offensive side of the ball. That likely meant promoting the new coordinator internally. Kubiak played a significant role in crafting last year’s run-first, play-action heavy scheme. Now, presumably, he’ll be asked to call the plays. This is Kubiak’s first offensive coordinator role since 2014 with the Baltimore Ravens.
Kubiak moved into a behind-the-scenes role after stepping down as head coach of the Denver Broncos during the 2016 season to take care of health issues. He’ll be in his most high-profile position since then as the Vikings new offensive coordinator.
