Klint Kubiak Part 2: The Intangibles That Matter
When evaluating talent—whether coaches or players—metrics like wins, losses, and statistics dominate the conversation. Yet, often overlooked are the intangibles: qualities that defy measurement but define success. For Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks’ new offensive coordinator, these intangibles make him an ideal fit for Seattle’s offensive overhaul. Three key factors stand out: his pedigree from an elite coaching tree, his proven success balancing the pass and run game, and his established identity rooted in the Kubiak system.
A Coaching Legacy Unlike Any Other
Kubiak’s football foundation is second to none. His father, Gary Kubiak, was a Super Bowl-winning head coach and a disciple of legendary play-callers. In a recent Brock & Salk interview, Gary credited his system’s origins to Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense, further refined under Mike Shanahan during a 14-year tenure in Denver. The system thrived under Shanahan, winning two Super Bowls and developing Hall of Famers like John Elway, Terrell Davis, and Shannon Sharpe.
Former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, who considers himself a Gary Kubiak mentee, outlined how the system evolved: a foundation built on the outside-zone run game, meticulous formation uses, and seamless play-action integration. Today, coaches like Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay continue this tradition, leveraging the principles that made the scheme so dominant.
Garrett pinpointed one core Kubiak philosophy: attention to detail. “They don’t do a lot, but they do it at a high level and have answers for whatever they confront.” Expect to see the outside-zone scheme, play-action, and naked bootleg plays designed to manipulate defenses and simplify quarterback reads.
A Scheme That Fits Seattle’s Needs
Former NFL lineman and analyst Mark Schlereth reinforced the system’s biggest strength, melding the run and pass game into a single, deceptive package. He emphasized that in the Kubiak offense, run-action and pass-action must look identical, creating easy passing windows and efficient rushing lanes. This offensive cohesion takes pressure off quarterbacks and allows for a more balanced attack.
That balance is exactly what Seattle lacked under former OC Ryan Grubb. While Grubb emphasized the passing game, his reluctance to establish the run put undue strain on Geno Smith and disrupted the offense’s rhythm. Klint Kubiak, however, has demonstrated a clear ability to optimize both phases.
In 2020, as Minnesota’s quarterbacks coach, Kubiak helped Kirk Cousins throw for 4,265 yards and thirty-five touchdowns. The following year, as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator, he oversaw a system where Dalvin Cook rushed for 1,259 yards while still integrating an effective passing game. His ability to balance these elements will be crucial in Seattle, where unlocking the full potential of both Geno Smith and the run game is paramount.
An Identity That Aligns with McDonald’s Vision
Kubiak’s system provides something the Seahawks desperately need an offensive identity. Unlike Grubb, whose pass-heavy approach conflicted with head coach Mike Macdonald’s vision, Kubiak’s philosophy is crystal clear: establish the run, set up play-action, and dictate terms to the defense.
Schlereth summed it up best: “Sometimes you have to just line up and smash people in the mouth. And sometimes you just need to understand the value of a nasty two- or three-yard gain and what it does for you as an offense.” That mindset—one that prioritizes physicality, efficiency, and deception—aligns perfectly with Macdonald’s defensive-oriented approach.
By hiring Kubiak, Seattle is committing to immutable offensive principles—dominance through the run game and leveraging play-action to keep defenses off balance. With an elite coaching pedigree, a track record of success in both passing and rushing schemes, and a clearly defined offensive identity, Klint Kubiak has all the tools to propel Seattle back to NFC West contention.
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