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Originally Posted by listopencil
I've seen nothing confirming Kubiak either way. I did read an article earlier today that said that there was a point where Elway wanted Kubiak over Fox. It was at the end of the season. Houston had a shitty year and it looked like Kubiak was going to be fired, Elway had already agreed to come into the Bronco FO and wanted to ask him. Kubiak stuck around for another year and the Broncos hired Fox though. I'll see if I can dig it up.
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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.