Gary Kubiak

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Kubiak's connection to the Broncos began when he was selected in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL draft, the same year John Elway arrived. He spent his entire playing career (1983–1991) as Elway's backup, appearing in 119 regular-season games with a 3–2 record as a starter. His on-field contributions included replacing Elway at the end of losses in Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXIV. After retiring, he returned to Denver in 1995 as offensive coordinator under Mike Shanahan. During his 11 seasons in this role, the Broncos amassed 66,501 total yards and 465 touchdowns, the most in the NFL during that span. He coached 14 different Pro Bowl players, including Terrell Davis, who earned NFL MVP honors in 1998. This era culminated in two Super Bowl titles (1997, 1998), marking the final years of Elway's playing career.

In Their Own Story

The journey from backup to champion came full circle when Kubiak returned as head coach for the 2015 season. Leading the team through a grueling campaign, he guided the Broncos to Super Bowl 50. The victory secured his third championship win with the franchise, adding to his three titles won as an assistant coach (two with the 49ers and one with the Broncos). Kubiak participated in seven Super Bowls throughout his career: losing three as a player with Denver, winning three as an assistant, and winning Super Bowl 50 as head coach. However, this triumph was followed by health challenges; he stepped down from the position on January 1, 2017. His tenure ended after just two seasons, but the Super Bowl 50 ring remains a defining achievement in his long association with Denver.

Reader's Guide

Gary Kubiak's timeline with the Denver Broncos is extensive and multifaceted. As a player, he was drafted in 1983 (197th overall) and played until 1991. He served as an assistant coach for the team starting in 1995, eventually becoming offensive coordinator under Mike Shanahan from 1995 to 2005. In this capacity, he helped lead Denver to Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998. His role expanded significantly when he was named head coach of the Broncos for the 2015 season. Under his leadership, the team won Super Bowl 50. He continued as head coach into the 2016 season before resigning on January 1, 2017. Throughout these years, Kubiak maintained a consistent presence in the organization's success, contributing to seven total Super Bowl appearances.

Did You Know?

• Kubiak replaced John Elway at the end of the Broncos' defeats in both Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXIV.
• During his 11 seasons as Denver's offensive coordinator (1995–2005), the team led the NFL with 66,501 total yards and 465 touchdowns.
• Kubiak is one of only a few individuals to win Super Bowls as both an assistant coach (three times) and a head coach (Super Bowl 50).
• He was drafted in the eighth round with the 197th overall pick in the 1983 NFL draft, the same year John Elway was taken first overall.