'Proud' Kubiak steps down as NFL Broncos coach
'Proud' Kubiak steps down as NFL Broncos coach
Gary Kubiak officially stepped down as coach of the Denver Broncos on Monday because of health concerns, less than a year after he led the team to a Super Bowl crown.
John Elway, the Broncos' executive vice president of football operations/general manager, announced Kubiak's departure in a statement released Monday morning.
Kubiak had told players and staff after Sunday's season-ending 24-6 victory over the playoff-bound Oakland Raiders that he was giving up the job because of health reasons after two years with the team.
Head coach Gary Kubiak of the Denver Broncos was hospitalized briefly in October and missed coaching one game with what doctors called a "complex migraine condition" ©Justin Edmonds (Getty/AFP/File)
"As I told our team last night, this is an extremely difficult decision to step down as head coach," Kubiak said in a statement released by the team. "I love to work and I love football, but ultimately the demands of the job are no longer a good fit for me.
"I gave everything I had to this team the last two seasons, but this year, in particular, has been tough on me. As hard as it is to leave this position, I know that it's the best thing for myself, my family and the Denver Broncos.
"Although we fell short of our goals this year, I'm proud of our teams these past two seasons. Helping to bring Mr. (Pat) Bowlen, his family and this organization its third Super Bowl is something that will always be very special to me.
"I'm not sure what my future holds, but I know that I'll always consider myself a Bronco."
Kubiak, 55, was hospitalized briefly in October and missed coaching one game with what doctors called a "complex migraine condition" characterized by extreme fatigue and weakness.
In 2013 while Kubiak was head coach of the Houston Texans he collapsed during a game with what was diagnosed as a "mini stroke."
Elway, a former Broncos star quarterback who brought his former backup back to coach the team they both played for, was expected to begin searching for a replacement immediately.
"When Gary informed me of his decision to step down as head coach I was obviously saddened and disappointed," Elway said. "But, I understand and respect Gary for doing what's right for him as well as his family.
"The way Gary led the team and managed a challenging situation during our Super Bowl run was one of the best coaching jobs I've ever seen.
"Gary's been a teammate, co-worker and, most importantly, a friend for more than 30 years. Without a doubt he's left the Broncos in a better place than when he stepped off that plane from Houston two years ago."
Kubiak was hired as the 15th head coach in franchise history on January 19, 2015 and helped the Broncos to the second-most wins in the NFL in his two seasons with a 24-11 (.686) record.
During the 2015 season Kubiak became only the fourth head coach in NFL history to lead a team to a Super Bowl victory in his first year, the Broncos beating the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50.