Mike Zimmer Won’t Rule Out Kubiak’s Return; Maalouf Out as STC

By Eric Strack |

Updated: Jan 5, 2021

On Monday, it became common knowledge around town that offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak would be retiring from football. Today however, Minnesota Vikings head coach, Mike Zimmer, threw a bucket of cold water on that supposed certainty.

Coach Zimmer says Gary Kubiak will take some to make a decision on his future pic.twitter.com/DpUdDzrS7A
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 5, 2021

While we were searching for an OC who would hopefully lead this Vikings offense into the future, Mike Zimmer wasn’t ready to count his old friend, Gary Kubiak.

So if you were hoping for a quick resolution at OC, it’s not happening. Many of the great coordinator options will be swiped up while we wait, too…

Change isn’t Zimmer’s game

With or without Gary Kubiak, Zim clearly isn’t in a rush to shake things up on offense. If Zim was looking to hire one of the hot up-and-coming young offensive minds around the league, he wouldn’t be so willing to wait for his old friend.

Zimmer’s morning presser tells a pretty clear story. If Gary isn’t coordinating this offense in 2021, it’ll probably be his son Klint. Dennison could get the job too, but it’s likely to be someone in-house.

Re: Gary Kubiak, #Vikings' Mike Zimmer added he likes the system — the wide-zone running game and how the passing game fits Kirk Cousins' strengths. "A coach told me once your offense should be what your quarterback is good at." Said this year was most "explosive" offense w/ Min https://t.co/LuHB7KV0UV
— Andrew Krammer (@Andrew_Krammer) January 5, 2021

Goodbye Marwan Maalouf

In other coordinator news, Marwan Maalouf’s contract will expire in the coming days as Special Teams coordinator, and the Minnesota Vikings will not renew it. The Vikings’ special teams has been absolutely atrocious since he took over.

Coach Zimmer announces that Special Teams Coordinator Marwan Maalouf's contract will expire and not be renewed.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 5, 2021

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan