The Chicago Bears are in the hunt for a new offensive coordinator. Thus far, their intentions seem pretty straightforward. Each candidate they’ve met or plan to meet has some form of previous experience as a play caller, either in college or the NFL. Matt Eberflus is clearly trying not to make the same mistake he did with Luke Getsy. That is a good thing. Another piece of evidence is the Bears would prefer to keep the same type of system in place. Eberflus wanted that Shanahan/McVay scheme when he took over. Guys like Shane Waldron, Liam Coen, and Klint Kubiak have all run it before.
However, if the Bears want to get serious about this, it would be in their best interests to place a phone call to one of the original innovators of the system. Gary Kubiak worked alongside Mike Shanahan when the former Denver Broncos head coach brought the wide-zone into the mainstream. They won two Super Bowls with it together. Then Kubiak embarked on a lengthy head coaching career in Houston, elevating the Texans to a playoff contender with it. He remained successful right up until the end as offensive coordinator in Minnesota, choosing to retire after the 2020 season.
In his 23 years as a coordinator or head coach, his team produced a top-15 offense 19 times.
The Chicago Bears must at least see where Kubiak stands.
He is only 62 years old. Nobody would consider that ancient these days. The big question is his health. Kubiak has a history of health concerns dating back to his time in Houston. It was one of the reasons he chose to retire three years ago. If he still fears returning to the sideline because of that, then he should stay put. However, if the extended time off has given him a chance to recharge and he feels the health concerns aren’t pressing, then he would be an obvious hire for the Bears.
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Kubiak has routinely gotten the most from his quarterbacks over the years. John Elway, Brian Griese, Jake Plummer, Matt Schaub, Joe Flacco, and Kirk Cousins can all say as much. He would be an immediate asset for the Chicago Bears’ plans at that position. If they want to try salvaging Justin Fields? Fine. If they want to start over with a top draft pick? Also, fine. Either way, they must at least place that phone call. The worst thing that can happen is he says no.
That might also help lure his son Klint to Chicago, and the team would then have a perfect successor if the health issue ever pops up.
