Could the Minnesota Vikings replace Gary Kubiak in 2021?
It is sure to be another big offseason period for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. They are expected to be really up against it from a salary-cap perspective and some big personnel decisions will need to be made in order for Mike Zimmer’s team to remain competitive.
It might not be just the Vikings roster that undergoes changes though. The play-calling of Minnesota offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak’s has come into question at times this season and although he has gone back to a tried and tested formula of pounding the rock with Dalvin Cook, it seems like it probably happened a little too late for the team to become serious postseason challengers.
Whether this will result in Kubiak being replaced this offseason is up for debate. A fresh set of ideas from a young, progressive offensive mind might arguably be the best way to go for the Vikings in 2021. But the decision might also be taken out of their hands if the Super Bowl-winning coach gets an enticing offer to become a head coach once again.
During a recent edition of the Bleav in Texans Podcast, Kubiak’s name was touted as a possible candidate to take over the Houston Texans next season. It would be an intriguing option for the current Minnesota offensive coordinator thanks to the presence of Deshaun Watson under center in Houston.
If this is something that ends up happening, who are some of the dream candidates that the Vikings could pick to replace Kubiak in 2021?
Candidate No. 1
Mike McDaniel
If Minnesota is intent on making their running game the focal point moving forward, then Mike McDaniel is a name that warrants serious consideration. The current run game coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers is held in high regard and he has done a tremendous job since joining the organization.
McDaniel would no doubt jump at the chance to work with Dalvin Cook, who has been the NFL’s best running back this season by a considerable margin. One only has to look at how much he’s gotten out of a committee backfield in San Francisco to see what a difference he could make if Kubiak departed for pastures new or was let go.