Just over 24 hours following their playoff loss to the New England Patriots, the Ravens received news that helped ease the sting on Sunday night with the announcement that Gary Kubiak will remain as offensive coordinator.
Despite reportedly receiving interest from the Chicago Bears, the New York Jets, and the San Francisco 49ers for their head coaching vacancies, the former Houston Texans head coach will return to Baltimore for the 2015 season. Under Kubiak, the Ravens set single-season franchise bests for points scored and total yards in the regular season.
“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 released by the team. “But I have decided to stay with the Ravens. This is a special organization and we, like [coach John Harbaugh] says, are building something great. I want to be a part of that and contribute in whatever ways I can.”
Kubiak’s return is certainly good news for quarterback Joe Flacco, who posted career highs in passing yards (3,986) and touchdown passes (27) while posting his highest passer rating (91.0) since the 2010 season. Flacco had a good relationship with quarterbacks coach Rick Dennison, who was Kubiak’s offensive coordinator in Houston and would have likely left with him had he taken another head coaching position.
Despite plenty of rumors about his future, Kubiak repeatedly said late in the season that his sole focus was with the Ravens as they made their push for a sixth playoff appearance in the last seven years.
“I’ve been through it and I had my turn, and I’m really enjoying what I’m doing,” Kubiak said on Dec. 31. “I’ve told you all that over and over again. I don’t think about what’s next.”
As players cleaned out their lockers in Owings Mills on Sunday afternoon, many expressed hope that the offensive coordinator would remain with the Ravens. Under Kubiak, Baltimore finished eighth in the NFL in points scored and 12th in yards per game while the running game ranked eighth despite a disastrous 2013 campaign in which the Ravens finished last in the league in yards per carry.
The news figures to only help in retaining free agents such as running back Justin Forsett, tight end Owen Daniels, and wide receiver Torrey Smith. And while working with Flacco and a strong offensive line, Kubiak is unlikely to see his head coaching stock drop dramatically if he wants to pursue head jobs next offseason.
“It’s always tough when you get comfortable with a guy like that,” Smith said hours before the announcement was made. “He’s a players’ coach — I will tell you that much. He’s a guy that you want to play for, so if he gets another head coaching job, you’re not surprised at it.”
