The Baltimore Ravens introduced their new offensive coordinator (OC), Gary Kubiak in a press conference on Monday. The position was vacant after former OC Jim Caldwell left the Ravens for a head coaching job with the Detroit Lions.
There was speculation that the Ravens would promote from within after they interviewed Ravens wide receiver coach Jim Hostler. Former Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan was also a finalist in the OC search.
Kubiak was a surprise pick; Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is very excited his new OC:
“I want you to know for the Ravens, for our coaching staff, for our players, for our organization, for our fans – it’s a great day and I’m excited about it,” Harbaugh said.
Kubiak has an impressive resume. He was the head coach of the Houston Texans from 2006 to 2013. He also did the offensive play calling and led the Texans to their first playoff appearances in 2011 and 2012.
Prior to being the head coach in Texas, he was the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for the Denver Broncos from 1995 to 2005.
Kubiak has made six Super Bowl appearances, three as a player, and three as an assistant.
Last season the Ravens offense ranked 29th in total yardage and averaged 2.9 rushing yards per carry. They hope Kubiak can turn things around and jumpstart the offense and put points on the board.
Kubiak didn’t fare so well last season. He suffered a mini-stroke in November during a game against the Indianapolis Colts; he was fired on December 6 after the Texans went 2-11 under him last season.
After he failed to land another head coaching gig, he entertained the idea of being an OC again.
“I love the competition, I love being a part of this league, but I was looking for something that hit me and said, ‘OK, this is it,’” Kubiak said. “And that’s what happened through the course of this visit.”
Coach Harbaugh hopes this is a new beginning for the Ravens offense.
The Ravens also introduced Rick Dennison as the new quarterbacks coach. Dennison was the Texans OC last season. Although he does not have previous quarterback coaching experience, he engineered the zone-blocking offense.
While I’m pleased with the Ravens decision, my only concern is that if Kubiak is successful in turning the offense around, he will likely seek out another head coaching opportunity. Of course there are worse things than having a good offense and having to find another OC…I can live with that.
Zennie Abraham