It has been a crazy week for the Broncos and their fans. Just over a week ago, Denver was preparing to host the Indianapolis Colts with a berth in the AFC Championship Game on the line. Since that moment, the Broncos showed no heart and guts in an ugly and shocking loss to the inferior Colts, mutually parted ways with head coach John Fox, wondered about the retirement of Peyton Manning, went through three different interviews for a new head coach, and agreed to terms with Gary Kubiak to become the new head coach on Sunday night. What a whirlwind. I am happy for Kubiak, and I think this was the move Elway wanted to make all along. My overall opinion about the Kubiak hire are mostly positive. I think this will be a good move for the franchise. Here are my general thoughts about the hiring of Kubiak:
1) Kubiak is a Denver Bronco. He backed up John Elway from 1983-1991, then was the offensive coordinator from 1995-2005. Anyone who is a Broncos fan recognizes, likes and respects Kubiak. I remember him as the lifelong Broncos backup, and having him come back as the OC under Mike Shanahan was great. Now, he gets the promotion he probably dreamed about and he gets to be the next head coach of the Broncos. I always liked Kubiak and I was really impressed with the job he did as the offensive coordinator in Denver, and I even rooted for him in Houston, so it is cool to see him back, and I think he can get a lot out of this team.
2) Kubiak and Elway go way back, so you would think that there will be a good relationship with them going forward. Since the parting of ways with John Fox, it has come to light that Elway and Fox didn't see eye to eye towards the end of their relationship, and both guys were looking to move on. Perhaps with Kubiak in the fold, Elway can trust his head coach and Kubiak will be okay with Elway as the top decision maker for the franchise. These two have a lot of history, so they should be able to work well with each other and have success.
3) One thing about Kubiak is that he is a very, very good play-caller and offensive coach. I have no worries about him implementing his system and providing the Broncos with a very good offense. Just go back and look at the playoff games this year when he was calling plays for the Ravens. Look what he did to the Steelers and the Patriots. I know a lot will be said about his zone blocking scheme and his bootleg/play-action game, but that gets overplayed. He will bring a good offense to Denver right away.
4) I understand on paper that it doesn't look like Kubiak's scheme fits Peyton Manning, but I can't see it being an issue. If Manning comes back, and that is a big if, then I am sure both Manning and Kubiak will find a way to make the offense fit both of their liking. Put it this way: Do you really think Kubiak told Elway that Manning doesn't fit his system and that he has to go? I don't think so. If Manning comes back, then Kubiak and Manning will make it fit and work. Kubiak is a good enough coach to adjust.
5) From what it sounds from former players, Kubiak was well respected from his time as the Texans head coach. It may not look like it on the sideline, but Kubiak was intense and take charge when need be behind closed doors. Looking at how the Broncos went out of the postseason each year under John Fox, perhaps an outside voice like Kubiak's could be just the thing that this team needs to get over the hump or be successful.
6) My biggest concern for Kubiak is two-fold. One, does Peyton Manning come back? If he doesn't, then what is Kubiak's plans at QB? Does he go with Brock Osweiler or does he look somewhere else? The second concern is with the defense. It is rumored that he wants to bring in Vance Joseph, Cincy's secondary coach, as his defensive coordinator. Who the hell is Vance Joseph? I would really want a veteran coach on the defensive side of the ball and a big name because there is a lot of talent and high-priced guys on that defense that need to be coached up and guided to make that leap to the next level. I just wonder if Kubiak will be able to get the guy to do that.
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