Kubiak won’t return to Broncos’ staff
A person with knowledge of the breakdown in talks told The Associated Press yesterday that Gary Kubiak won’t return to run the Denver Broncos offense for new head coach Vic Fangio as had been expected.
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation, said the two longtime NFL veterans couldn’t agree on scheme, philosophy and staffing.
The surprising development leaves Fangio, who will serve as defensive play-caller, looking elsewhere to revamp an offense that has been stagnant for several years behind a quarterback carousel that’s rotated through four starters, including incumbent Case Keenum.
Kubiak remains under contract with the Broncos and will continue in his role as a senior personnel adviser to general manager John Elway in 2019.
Fired Joseph lands job
Former Broncos head coach Vance Joseph has been hired as the defensive coordinator on new Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury’s staff.
General manager Steve Keim said he wanted a veteran defensive coordinator to pair with Kingsbury, who has no NFL coaching experience and will focus on offense.
Joseph was fired on Dec. 31 after two seasons as coach of the Broncos.
In addition, the Cards announced the hiring of Bill Davis as linebackers coach and said Jeff Rodgers will return as special teams coordinator.
Jets make it official
The New York Jets have made the hiring of Adam Gase as their head coach official.
The team made the announcement yesterday after coming to an agreement with the former Dolphins coach on Wednesday.
Gase will be officially introduced as the Jets’ coach at a news conference Monday at the team’s facility in Florham Park, N.J . . . .
Mike Pettine is staying as defensive coordinator of the Packers. New coach Matt LaFleur announced the decision, answering one of his biggest questions just three days after being hired.
In his first year, Pettine installed a 3-4 scheme and had mixed results. Firstround pick Jaire Alexander showed signs he will become the top cornerback the Packers desperately need, and Green Bay was ranked No. 12 in pass defense (234.5 yards per game), a big improvement over 2017.
Parkey goes off-line
Kicker Cody Parkey is staying off social media after his missed field goal at the end of the Bears’ 16-15 wild card loss to the Eagles.
Parkey told NBC’s “Today” show he feels “worse than anybody about missing that kick.” He also says “football is what I do; it’s not who I am.” . . .
The Baltimore Ravens have replaced offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg with Greg Roman, who will continue to oversee the evolution of Lamar Jackson as the team’s starting quarterback.
Roman spent the past two seasons as Baltimore’s assistant head coach/tight ends coach. He worked with the quarterbacks and played an integral part in the Ravens’ transition from Joe Flacco to Jackson in November . . . .
Former Vikings coordinator Mike Priefer will handle special teams for new Browns coach Freddie Kitchens.