Originally Posted by thabear04 (Post 11278869)

John Elway believed he needed a new coach to get the*Denver Broncos*to the "next level." The executive vice president trusts his former backup quarterback to take them to that promise land.

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday the*Broncos*are finalizing a four-year contract with*Baltimore Ravensoffensive coordinator*Gary Kubiak*to become Denver's new head coach, according to a*Broncos*source. The Denver Post first reported the story.

The 53-year-old Kubiak emerged as Elway's top choice since the team parted ways withJohn Fox*after a disastrous playoff exit. Kubiak spent his entire nine-year playing career as a backup quarterback to Elway in Denver.

In Kubiak, Elway has found a close confidante that believes in similar philosophies. That starts with a dynamic running game and zone blocking scheme that helped Elway win two titles as a player. In Denver, Houston and then Baltimore, Kubiak' scheme has helped running backs produce massive numbers.

With*C.J. Anderson,*Ronnie Hillman*andMontee Ball*on the*Broncos*roster, Kubiak should have plenty of options to ride in Denver. NFL Media's Albert Breer confirms Kubiak will likely hire*Ravens*quarterbacks coach*Rick Dennison*as the*Broncos' offensive coordinator.

After a year coaching quarterbacks in San Francisco, Kubiak followed Mike Shanahan to Denver where he spent 11 seasons as the team's offensive coordinator. The coordinator helped Elway capture two*Super Bowl*Championships in 1997 and 1998.

In eight seasons in Houston, Kubiak compiled a 61-64 regular-season record. Just three of Kubiak's teams in Houston earned a record above .500. However, he led the*Texans*to two playoff victories in franchise history and 10-plus wins in 2011 and 2012

The bigger question mark is with the quarterback position, where all eyes will turn to*Peyton Manning's decision regarding his future. The 38-year-old quarterback doesn't have the mobility generally needed to run Kubiak's West Coast style of offense, but any decent coach would welcome tailoring his offense to a future*Hall of Fame quarterback.

While Manning's decision is pivotal, Elway still has a roster built to win now. He didn't view Fox as the man to push them over that hill and onto the*Super Bowl*platform. He trusts Kubiak can.

Originally Posted by Mr. Flopnuts (Post 11278928)

Like I've said for over a month. The beginning of the end has begun.

Originally Posted by listopencil (Post 11278947)

Yeah I just saw something very similar to that. If it happens, I'm not terribly excited about the prospect of Dennison as OC but I would be much more concerned with who they would go with for DC. I still wonder what Dennis Allen is up to. I wonder if he'd take the job back.

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania (Post 11278961)

If they're getting the band back together... Wade Phillips? Kinda on the old side.

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania (Post 11278952)

Depends on how you look at it, I suppose. They shot for the moon the last few seasons, fell short. Nice effort - crap playoff results. So, time to plan for at least 1 more year with Manning, but look 4-5 years down the road with these players in a post-Manning era.

I applaud the house cleaning after that debacle on Sunday... time for change.

Originally Posted by eDave (Post 11279175)

Has Kubiak been a HC before? Or is this just fraternal?

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud (Post 11279182)

Houston Texans from 2006-2013. 2-2 playoff record.

Originally Posted by Mile High Mania (Post 11278910)

Well, welcome home, Kubiak.

Will be interesting to see who fills out the OC/DC positions. I'm sure Manning returns, they need to decide if Frankenstein is the serious #2 ... if not, go get a better #2 guy.

Resign DT, let Julius and Welker walk... resign Pot Roast, Franklin and a few other core guys.