The Seattle Seahawks are in the midst of a crucial offseason, and one of their most pressing decisions involves finding the right offensive coordinator to steer their dynamic yet inconsistent offense. Among the names emerging as a strong candidate is Klint Kubiak, a coach with deep NFL roots and a promising track record. While Kubiak may not be a household name like some of his contemporaries, his résumé and coaching philosophy have drawn significant attention in Seattle’s search.
As the Seahawks evaluate their options, here’s what we’ve learned about Klint Kubiak and why he could be a strong fit for their offensive coordinator role.
Klint Kubiak is no stranger to the NFL. The son of Super Bowl-winning head coach Gary Kubiak, Klint grew up around the game, absorbing knowledge from his father’s successful coaching career. This foundation has been instrumental in shaping his understanding of offensive systems, game planning, and player management.
Kubiak’s coaching career began in 2013 as an offensive assistant with the Minnesota Vikings. Over the years, he steadily climbed the coaching ranks, serving in various roles, including quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. Most notably, Kubiak held the offensive coordinator position with the Vikings during the 2021 season, where he demonstrated his ability to develop game plans tailored to his team’s strengths.
In 2022, Kubiak joined the Denver Broncos as the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. While Denver’s offense struggled under head coach Nathaniel Hackett, Kubiak’s work with quarterback Russell Wilson in the second half of the season showed glimpses of his coaching potential.
Kubiak’s offensive approach is rooted in the West Coast system, a scheme made famous by his father. This system emphasizes timing, rhythm, and balance, with a heavy reliance on play-action and quick passes to keep defenses off balance.
During his time as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator, Kubiak showed a commitment to establishing the run game while leveraging play-action to create big plays downfield. Under his guidance, the Vikings’ offense ranked 12th in total yards in 2021, with standout performances from running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
For the Seahawks, this philosophy could be a natural fit. With a dynamic quarterback like Geno Smith and explosive playmakers in DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Kubiak’s ability to maximize talent within a balanced offensive scheme could address some of Seattle’s offensive inconsistencies.
One of Kubiak’s standout qualities is his ability to develop quarterbacks. His work with Kirk Cousins in Minnesota helped solidify Cousins as one of the league’s most efficient passers, while his efforts in Denver showed an ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.
This skill is particularly important for Seattle, where quarterback development will play a significant role in their success moving forward. Whether it’s continuing to build around Geno Smith or preparing a young quarterback for the future, Kubiak’s track record suggests he has the tools to get the most out of his signal-callers.
While Kubiak’s résumé is impressive, his tenure as an offensive coordinator hasn’t been without criticism. Some analysts questioned his play-calling in Minnesota, particularly in high-pressure situations. Additionally, his association with Denver’s disappointing 2022 season might give some teams pause, though it’s worth noting that the Broncos’ struggles were largely systemic.
For the Seahawks, the question is whether Kubiak’s strengths outweigh these concerns and if his offensive philosophy aligns with head coach Pete Carroll’s vision.
Seattle’s interest in Kubiak reflects a desire to return to an offense built on balance and efficiency. Pete Carroll has long championed a run-first philosophy complemented by explosive plays in the passing game, and Kubiak’s experience in the West Coast system aligns with this vision.
Moreover, Kubiak’s calm demeanor and methodical approach could provide the stability Seattle needs. His ability to tailor schemes to his players’ strengths is a valuable asset, particularly as the Seahawks aim to compete in a tough NFC West.
While the Seahawks have yet to make a final decision, Klint Kubiak has emerged as a compelling candidate for their offensive coordinator position. His NFL pedigree, offensive expertise, and track record of player development make him a strong contender to lead Seattle’s offense into the future.
If Kubiak is given the opportunity, his success will ultimately hinge on his ability to execute a cohesive game plan and maximize the talent on Seattle’s roster. For now, his candidacy reflects the Seahawks’ commitment to finding the right leader to help them achieve sustained success in the years to come.