News

The Ravens got an excellent piece of news the day after being eliminated from the playoffs.

Offensive Coordinator Gary Kubiak is staying with the Ravens.

“It is flattering and humbling to be invited to interview for a number of NFL head coaching positions, and I greatly appreciate these opportunities,” Kubiak said in a statement. “But I have decided to stay with the Ravens.

“This is a special organization and we, like [Head] Coach [John] Harbaugh says, are building something great. I want to be a part of that and contribute in whatever ways I can.”

Kubiak was rumored to be of interest to the Chicago Bears and New York Jets for their head coaching vacancies. There could have been more.

He’s a popular man considering the offensive success he’s had and his experience as a head coach. He was the Houston Texans’ head coach for eight years, leading them from a sub-.500 team to a playoff and Super Bowl contender from 2006 to 2013.

After being fired by the Texans near the end of their disastrous 2013 season, Kubiak went back to his offensive roots as the Ravens’ play-caller and had great success.

Baltimore posted a franchise record 364.9 yards per game. It went from being ranked 29^th in total offense last year to 12^th this season.

Under Kubiak and his zone-stretch run scheme, the Ravens’ rushing attack made a huge leap. The Ravens averaged an NFL-low 3.1 yards per carry last season. Baltimore averaged 4.5 yards per run this year, good for seventh in the league.

Quarterback Joe Flacco also had his best season yet under Kubiak. Flacco posted a career-high 3,986 yards and 27 touchdowns. He cut his interceptions from 22 to 12 and took 19 sacks compared to 48 a year ago. His passer rating skyrocketed from 73.1 to 91.

Flacco frequently commented about his approval of Kubiak. Had Kubiak left, Flacco would have had to work with his fourth offensive coordinator in as many years.

Keeping Kubiak on board not only gives Flacco consistency, but a steady hand for the entire offense.

"Couldn't be happier to hear that news," said fullback Kyle Juszczyk. "Our offense has some unfinished business. We have high expectations going into next season and we feel like 'Kubs' is the man that will help us meet those expectations."

“I feel like it means we can continue to build on what we started," added guard Kelechi Osemele. "We’re a really young team and we have a lot of young players. It definitely would have been a loss."

After Kubiak's success this season, players spoke as if they almost were certain he would leave when talking to the media as they cleaned out their lockers Sunday.

"Coach ‘Kubs’ did a great job," wide receiver Torrey Smith said. "He was a blessing for us this season. It was awesome playing for him, and we’re glad he was here.” 

“It’s always tough when you get comfortable with a guy like that, and he’s a players’ coach; I will tell you that much. He’s a guy that you want to play for, so if he gets another head coaching job, you’re not surprised at it."