Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak has informed his players that he is retiring, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Kubiak confirmed the news via press release today.
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“As I told our team last night, this is an extremely difficult decision to step down as head coach,” Kubiak said in the release. “I love to work and I love football, but ultimately the demands of the job are no longer a good fit for me. I gave everything I had to this team the last two seasons, but this year, in particular, has been tough on me. As hard as it is to leave this position, I know that it’s the best thing for myself, my family and the Denver Broncos.”
Although the 2016 season didn’t go as expected, Kubiak’s run in Denver can’t be considered anything other than a success. After joining the Broncos prior to the 2015 season, Kubiak led Denver to a Super Bowl victory in the first season a four-year deal. Quarterback Peyton Manning retired following the season, forcing the Broncos to turn to Trevor Siemian, and Denver wasn’t able to reach the postseason again, finishing third in the AFC West with a 9-7 record.
Health concerns are reportedly playing a major factor in Kubiak’s decision to step away. As the Texans head coach in 2013, Kubiak suffered a mini-stroke during a game, and earlier this season, Kubiak missed a contest while dealing with migraine issues. Kubiak’s family would prefer if Kubiak steps away from the game altogether, although there’s no indication if he intends to do so. The press release does not mention the word “retirement.”
If this is the end of Kubiak’s career as a head coach, Kubiak finishes with an 82-75 regular season record, a 5-2 postseason mark, and one Super Bowl win.
Im definitely shocked by this but I understand why he’s doing it. His health is more important.
Great move, proud to see someone in sports be a man and go out as he should.
It’s not uncommon amongst successful head coaches. There just isn’t many successful head coaches.
In fact, I probably wouldn’t even put Kubiak in that category. He was poop in Houston. Then walked into a perfect situation and won, like Switzer did in D town.
McCoy released today by SD …. Heading home?
Maybe! lol
This would be the instant #1 available job in football. Unless Green Bay opens up just because of Aaron Rodgers. Denver is a beautiful place.
And Denver is a great football town
Ain’t
Ya can’t drown a trout in the river