Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak on the sidelines in the second half of their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
With the Baltimore Ravens still recovering from their 35-31 loss to the New England Patriots, the interwebs were buzzing that the Chicago Bears would make a “major push” to land Ravens OC Gary Kubiak.
Bears prepared to make a major push for Ravens OC Gary Kubiak, per source. Kubiak now free to talk with teams about HC vacancies.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2015
But like the Bears defensive line from this season, the major push was quickly pushed aside and by Sunday night, Kubiak had withdrawn himself from consideration for any head coaching opportunities, releasing the following statement through the Ravens:
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"“It is flattering and humbling to be invited to interview for a number of NFL head coaching positions, and I greatly appreciate these opportunities,” Kubiak said in a statement. “But I have decided to stay with the Ravens.“This is a special organization and we, like [Head] Coach [John] Harbaugh says, are building something great. I want to be a part of that and contribute in whatever ways I can.”"
I wonder why Kubiak released this statement on the day the Bears “major push” went public? I’d like to think that it’s just a coincidence, but you never know.
Kubiak just finished his first season as the Ravens offensive coordinator after an eight year run as the Houston Texans head coach from 2006-2013. The Ravens averaged a franchise best 364.9 yards per game while Joe Flacco enjoyed his best season (3896/27/12) while the Ravens went from averaging an NFL worst 3.1 yards per carry in 2013 to 4.5 YPC, 7th best in the league this season.
You can see why the Bears were interested in poaching Kubiak from the Ravens. He’d been one of my favorites to land the Bears job. Now, they’ll have to continue their search elsewhere.
What do you think? Did you think Kubiak would have been a good choice? Are you surprised he wanted to stay in Baltimore?