Emerald City Sports Spotlight ~ with Peter D

Klint Kubiak: The Who and the What Part 1

The Seattle Seahawks have officially named Klint Kubiak as their next Offensive Coordinator, tasked with spearheading the team’s offensive attack. Following Ryan Grubb’s brief tenure, Kubiak steps in with the responsibility of shaping a unit that aims to be dynamic yet grounded in a run-first philosophy. But who is Klint Kubiak, and what has he accomplished? While his resume may not immediately dazzle, a deeper dive into his career reveals both tangible and intangible qualities that could make him a strong fit for Seattle.

The Tangibles

On paper, Kubiak’s track record is a mixed bag. Entering his 12th season as an NFL assistant, he also brings four years of college coaching experience and a playing career at Colorado State, where he was a four-year letterman. His most recent stint as the New Orleans Saints’ Offensive Coordinator in 2024 was rocky, with the team finishing 5-12 and second-to-last in the NFC South. However, context is crucial—Kubiak’s offense was plagued by injuries, including the loss of starting quarterback Derek Carr after just ten games. The Saints were forced to rotate between two backup QBs over the final seven contests, while star wideout Chris Olave, a two-time 1,000-yard receiver, was limited to just eight games and four hundred yards.

Prior to his time in New Orleans, Kubiak played a key role in the San Francisco 49ers' 2023 campaign as their offensive passing game specialist. The 49ers finished 12-5, won the NFC West, and came within three points of a Super Bowl victory. Under his influence, San Francisco boasted an elite offensive unit, ranking second in the league in total offense (398.4 yards per game), fourth in passing (257.9 yards per game), and first in red zone touchdown percentage (67.2%). Quarterback Brock Purdy thrived, leading the NFL with a 113.0 passer rating while completing 69.4% of his passes for 4,280 yards and twenty-one touchdowns. More importantly for Seattle, the 49ers led the league in rushing—a crucial aspect of their offensive philosophy that Kubiak was embedded in, even as he specialized in the passing game.

Kubiak’s tenure with the Denver Broncos in 2022 saw him serve as the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, a continuation of his work developing NFL signal-callers. From 2019 to 2021, he worked with the Minnesota Vikings, initially as quarterbacks coach before taking over as offensive coordinator. His most notable work during this period came in 2020 when Kirk Cousins threw for 4,265 yards, 35 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 105.0—marking the first time a Vikings quarterback had posted a 100+ rating in consecutive seasons. The Vikings’ offense ranked fourth in the NFL, showcasing Kubiak’s ability to craft an efficient aerial attack.

The Run-First Future

While Kubiak has overseen prolific passing offenses, Seattle’s emphasis moving forward is on the ground game. That is where his 2021 season in Minnesota stands out. As offensive coordinator, Kubiak oversaw a system that saw Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook rush for 1,259 yards and six touchdowns on 249 carries, with an additional 224 yards through the air. The Seahawks already have a prolific passer in Geno Smith, but they need a coordinator who can cultivate a dominant rushing attack. Kubiak’s experience managing elite rushing performances—whether in Minnesota with Cook or as part of a run-heavy 49ers offense—aligns perfectly with Seattle’s future direction.

Seattle’s choice to bring in Kubiak suggests a commitment to balance, with an emphasis on pounding the rock to set up the passing game. While his most recent stop in New Orleans was not ideal, the full scope of his career points to a coach who can implement a successful offensive system given the right personnel. If he can replicate the rushing success seen in San Francisco and Minnesota, the Seahawks' offense could take a major step forward in 2025.