Levi’s Stadium has long served as a backdrop for the Kubiak family’s most significant professional milestones. It was the site of
Klint, 39, will lead the Raiders as a first-time head coach, while his brother Klay, 38, serves as the offensive coordinator for the 49ers under head coach Kyle Shanahan. Meanwhile, the youngest brother, 35-year-old Klein, will be in the press box conducting advanced scouting for the Dallas Cowboys. Despite their distinct roles, the brothers share a common foundation built on the ideologies and work ethic instilled by their father, a veteran of 29 years in the NFL.
A Legacy Built on Football Fundamentals
Gary Kubiak, who enjoyed a successful career as a player and coach, never explicitly pushed his sons toward the NFL. However, growing up in the orbit of professional football—particularly during Gary’s tenure as the Broncos' offensive coordinator from 1995 to 2005—made the sport an inseparable part of their lives. Former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan noted that the success of the Kubiak brothers is a direct reflection of their father’s dedication and the pride he took in his profession.
Klint’s path to the head coaching ranks was not linear. After a playing career at Colorado State, he initially resisted the idea of coaching. A pivotal moment occurred during a Texans draft meeting in 2009, where he observed his father and other coaches dissecting player potential. That experience, combined with a rigorous stint as a graduate assistant at Texas A&M, convinced him that he belonged in the game. Despite a brief departure to work in the oil industry, Klint ultimately returned to football, eventually rising through the ranks with the Vikings, Saints, and Seahawks before taking the helm in Las Vegas.
Distinct Paths to Professional Success
While Klint focused on the offensive side of the ball, Klay and Klein carved out their own niches. Klay, a former quarterback at Colorado State, initially pursued a career in education, teaching at Strake Jesuit in Houston. His transition to the NFL was facilitated by his long-standing connection to the Shanahan family. Since joining the 49ers in 2021, Klay has become a vital part of their offensive staff, contributing to a unit that currently ranks among the league’s most productive.
Klein, meanwhile, found his calling in personnel and scouting. After playing at Rice, he began as a salary cap intern with the Texans before moving into scouting roles with the Broncos and eventually the Cowboys. His perspective on the game—focused on the construction of a roster rather than play-calling—has allowed him to build a career independent of his brothers' coaching paths. Despite their different roles, the brothers remain united by the lessons learned from their father: the importance of authenticity, consistency, and treating others with respect. As Klint noted, the ultimate goal remains to be the hardest-working person in the building, a standard set by their father throughout his career.
