5 Minnesota Vikings on the hot seat at the 2020 midseason point
By Dean Jones
Gary Kubiak – Offensive coordinator
Losing Kevin Stefanski during the offseason was a massive blow for the Vikings. The progressive offensive coordinator was finally rewarded with the head coaching job with the Cleveland Browns, something that’s brought a swift turnaround in their fortunes despite the overall quality of the AFC North.
Gary Kubiak was the man chosen to replace Stefanski after being part of the organization last season in an advisory role. The experienced coach received criticism for his play-calling through their opening six games.
But going back to basics and leaning heavily on star running back Dalvin Cook has done him the world of good during the Vikings’ wins over the Packers and Lions.
How Kubiak fares between now and the end of the season will tell us plenty about his long-term future in Minnesota. There were some calling for his removal at the bye, which might have been a little hasty, but there will come a time during a pivotal stretch where the Vikings are going to need a little bit more than just giving the ball to Cook and letting him run riot.
The NFL is an ever-changing world from an offensive standpoint. One only has to look at the innovative ways teams like the Chiefs move the chains and score points at will to see that.
If Kubiak doesn’t demonstrate his ability to move with the times to a certain extent, then it might come with a change in direction once the season concludes.