Head coach Gary Kubiak of the Denver Broncos during the National Anthem before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo : Getty Images/Justin Edmonds)
Gary Kubiak is stepping down as Denver Broncos head coach, announcing his retirement after their team’s 24-6 season finale against the Oakland Raiders. It was an emotional moment for the Broncos with players taking turns embracing the 55-year-old coach.
Only a select number of officials were aware of Kubiak’s plans, shocking though understandable. Kubiak underwent several health-related issues that included a mini-stroke he suffered in 2013 with the Houston Texans, NFL.com reported.
Kubiak did not get into details on his health though some believe that it was part of a preventive measure. With reference to that 2013 mini-stroke, executive director Esther Fretz of the Rocky Mountain Stroke Center believes Kubiak is finally heeding the advice of his doctors, CBS4 reported.
“Demanding high-stress situations can certainly contribute to one being at more risk of a health incident,” Fretz said.
Lowering down the stress to coaching does have an alternative. This includes changing his style. Being the masterful tactician he is, that would simply be unacceptable and hence seen as the reason why Kubiak decided to step down instead.
That said, current and former players for the Broncos gave their tributes to Kubiak. That included Super Bowl 50 MPV Von Miller who feted his former coach as a man of high character who always had a plan. He also understands why his former mentor had to step down, believing it was all-or-nothing for Kubiak.
Brock Osweiler, who played for Kubiak back in 2015, posted his tribute via Instagram. The photo showed him and Kubiak embracing, thanking his former mentor for making him a better man.
A photo posted by Brock Osweiler (@bosweiler17) on Jan 2, 2017 at 1:53pm PST
For the Broncos, there is a lot of work to be done. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is now tasked to pick up from where Kubiak left off as they continue their run. With the defensive side of things covered, it is actually the Broncos offensive that needs work.
The Broncos do have the players to become a potent offensive threat. Kubiak was best known for doing so which Joseph may likely try to stick to for now. The question on whether Kubiaks’ stroke of genius rubs off on Joseph remains to be seen.
Check out the video below covering Gary Kubiak's retirement.
