Two weeks ago, Gary Kubiak offered up a “thanks but no thanks” vibe as his name became linked to several head coaching vacancies around the NFL. At the time, the Ravens offensive coordinator wanted it known that his sole focus was on aiding his current team’s playoff charge and advised head coach John Harbaugh to relay that to anyone who asked.
“I said, ‘John, if anybody wants to talk to me, just tell them no. I’m a busy man right now,’ ” Kubiak told reporters on Dec. 31. “I think it’s always flattering as a coach to be mentioned by any organization in football. But my total focus is on our football game, what we’re doing and trying to enjoy what I’m doing right now.”
A few days later, Kubiak and the Ravens beat the Steelers in the opening round of the AFC playoffs. But with the Ravens’ season ending Saturday evening with a 35-31 loss to the Patriots, it will be interesting to see whether Kubiak’s tune or focus will now change.
On Sunday morning, a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter connected Kubiak to the Bears’ head coaching opening, indicating that the team was prepared to “make a major push” for the Ravens offensive coordinator.
The Bears’ search for a new coach will enter its third week Monday with newly hired general manager Ryan Pace now at the controls. Pace, who was introduced as the new GM at a news conference on Friday, offered few clues as to where he would cast his lines next in the coaching search.
If Kubiak is a top target, he’d certainly check the box for head coaching experience. Kubiak spent eight seasons as the head coach for the Texans, compiling a 61-64 overall record and helping the Texans into the playoffs in 2011 and 2012. He was fired, however, with three games left in the 2013 season with the Texans at 2-11.
Pace conducted his first interview as Bears GM with Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles on Thursday. The Bears had also previously interviewed Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
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