Gary Kubiak has essentially been heading home for three weeks. Yet when he hit Houston on Thursday, it was just as overwhelming as if it had been a surprise.
“I’ve seen some people today that I haven’t seen in 15 or 20 years, and it’s a welcome sight for me,” the 11-year and now former Broncos offensive coordinator said as he was introduced as the head coach of the Houston Texans. “My family, my mom and dad, my sisters – I always told my parents that I’d be home someday. I think they started not to believe me after a while, but I finally made it back.”
Thursday’s events made Kubiak’s hiring official, but it had been a foregone conclusion since he wowed Houston officials Jan. 6 during an interview in Denver. Sunday, hours after Denver lost to Pittsburgh in the AFC championship game, Texans owner Bob McNair announced the team’s intention to hire the Houston native and former Houston Oilers ball boy.
The Broncos are expected to hire Mike Heimerdinger to replace Kubiak. Heimerdinger was released from his contract as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator Wednesday. Heimerdinger, a former Broncos receivers coach, is close with Denver coach Mike Shanahan.
The Broncos’ way will be part of Kubiak’s approach with the 2-14 Texans.
“I learned from Mike that you want to be involved with everything. That’s part of it,” said Kubiak, who praised Shanahan and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen often during the news conference. “But we’ll bring our system from Denver. Might change the color of the book a little bit, maybe a little darker blue.”
Kubiak said he would announce his coaching staff in the coming days. It appears defensive assistant Jim Ryan will remain with the Broncos. However, offensive assistant Troy Calhoun will go with Kubiak, as will offensive intern Mike McDaniel.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
