2 Ex-Vikings Coaches Add Competition to Brian Flores’ HC Bid
Brian Flores is among the candidates being evaluated in Baltimore’s head coaching search, but he is not alone. Baltimore has cast a wide net as it begins its search. The Ravens have also completed interviews with two former Vikings coaches, adding competition to a process that remains in its early stages.
Kevin Stefanski and Klint Kubiak complete an interview with the Ravens.
On Friday, the Ravens announced on the team website, “The Ravens have completed an interview with Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak for their head coach opening.”
Kubiak spent some time with the Vikings prior to the regime change from Mike Zimmer to Kevin O’Connell. In fact, he was employed early in his coaching career, from 2013 to 2014, as the offensive quality control coach. In 2019, he returned as the QB coach under his current foe Stefanski, who was the OC at the time.
A couple of years later, the Vikings promoted him to offensive coordinator, taking over from his father, Gary. He was the captain on offense during the 2021 season, the final year under Zimmer. Statistically, that might have been Kirk Cousins’ best season. The veteran passer delivered 33 passing touchdowns and only seven interceptions en route to a Pro Bowl nomination.
When Zimmer was axed, Kubiak moved on and he has been a journeyman since. In 2022, he served as the passing game coordinator and QB coach in Denver, and in 2023, he was the passing game coordinator in San Francisco. The New Orleans Saints hired him as the offensive coordinator in 2024, but injuries to several receivers and quarterback Derek Carr derailed that season quickly after a hot start.
The Saints also changed their head coach, and Kubiak was back on the market until the Seahawks called. This year, he has been the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, orchestrating one of the league’s top offenses with Sam Darnold at quarterback. The passing attack was fantastic earlier in the season, but has cooled off a little. The ground game, meanwhile, with Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, has taken over as the driving force.
Either way, Kubiak has led some explosive offenses and could revamp the unit around Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. His father Gary once was the OC in Baltimore. Son Klint also has interviews set up with the Falcons, Giants, Raiders, and Cardinals, making him one of the more sought-after candidates out there.
That brings us to another serious contender for various job openings, recently fired Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. His list — besides the Ravens — includes the Falcons, Titans, Giants, and Raiders.
Similar to Kubiak, he received the announcement treatment on Baltimore’s website: “The Ravens have completed an interview with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski for their head coach opening.”
Stefanski spent the majority of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. He joined as the assistant to the head coach in 2008, was promoted to assistant QB coach in 2009, TE coach in 2014, RB coach in 2016, QB coach in 2017, interim offensive coordinator in 2018, and offensive coordinator in 2019.
In 2019, Stefanski coordinated an offense that helped the Vikings get over the wild card hump when they beat the New Orleans Saints on the road. His passing attack didn’t have the volume stats of the other Kirk Cousins years, but it was efficient with play action and downfield passing.
Similarly to Kubiak now, he had several interviews in 2020 and ultimately became the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. In his first season, Stefanski led the franchise to the playoffs for the first time in 2002 and won the first playoff game since 1994. He has been a two-time Coach of the Year and brought some stability to the organization. It’s fair to say that the trade for Deshaun Watson derailed the project.
He’s another strong offensive mind, and he brings head coaching experience to the table. Furthermore, he is familiar with the AFC North division. Stefanski is expected to be a popular candidate this cycle.
Flores remains part of a crowded field as Baltimore’s search continues.