Source: Vikings make Gary Kubiak offensive coordinator

MINNEAPOLIS >> The Minnesota Vikings have chosen Gary Kubiak as their offensive coordinator, filling the vacancy created by Kevin Stefanski’s departure to become head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

The widely expected move was confirmed Thursday by a person with knowledge of the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Kubiak was as an offensive adviser and assistant to head coach Mike Zimmer this season, as the Vikings reached the divisional round of the playoffs.

Kubiak’s playbook, as directed by Ed Stefanski in his first full season on the job, provided a clear boost for quarterback Kirk Cousins and the offense. The Vikings were eighth in the league with an average of 25.4 points a game, after ranking 19th in 2018.

“I like the scheme,” Zimmer said last week. “I like the continuity that we have offensively with the coaches, and I feel like if we add a couple more pieces and continue to work on the execution of staying with the same play calls, the same system, the same motions and formations and things like that, it’ll definitely help the offensive players.”

The Vikings a year ago hired his son, Klint Kubiak, as quarterbacks coach.

Raiders sign Lawson to 1-year extension

ALAMEDA >> The Las Vegas Raiders signed cornerback Nevin Lawson to a one-year contract extension.

Lawson is the first player to sign with the Raiders since they officially added Las Vegas to their name Wednesday.

Lawson first joined the Raiders as an unrestricted free agent last season after playing five years with Detroit. He played 11 games with five starts for the Raiders, recording 23 tackles and five passes defensed.