The Denver Broncos announced Monday that they've hired former Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak as their 15th head coach in franchise history.
Kubiak agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Broncos on Sunday night, returning to the team and town where he spent two decades as a player and assistant coach.
A news conference is scheduled Tuesday after Denver general manager John Elway, his longtime friend and former teammate and roommate with the Broncos, convinced him to leave the Ravens after a season when he revitalized the offense.
"Gary Kubiak has established a track record of leadership, success and high character during his 30 seasons in the NFL," Elway said in a statement. "While there is no question he is a Bronco, what Gary has learned from his other opportunities around the league, especially in his eight seasons as a head coach — will tremendously benefit our organization.
"Having coached on three Super Bowl champions and 11 playoff teams, Gary knows what it will take to deliver another World Championship to Broncos fans. Coach Kubiak is all about winning and doing things the right way, which are values that have always been most important to the Broncos and owner Pat Bowlen. We are very excited to welcome Gary, and his wife, Rhonda, back to the Denver Broncos."
Broncos team president and chief executive officer Joe Ellis, who accompanied Elway to Houston to recruit Kubiak on Sunday, had a similar take. Kubiak went 61-63 in eight seasons as the Houston Texans' head coach before being fired in December 2013 after experiencing health problems during a 2-14 season. He went to the playoffs twice with the Texans.
"Gary has been part of the Broncos' family for two decades and has proven himself as a highly successful head coach and assistant coach around the NFL," Ellis said in a statement. "From his time in Denver, he completely understands—and has contributed to—the culture of winning that has been established throughout Pat Bowlen's ownership. Gary also respects what the Broncos mean to this community and the special connection this team has with its fans. We are thrilled that Gary Kubiak is returning to Denver to become the next head coach of the Broncos."
awilson@baltsun.com
twitter.com/RavensInsider