Kubiak New Colorado Coach?

Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak reportedly will be the new football coach at the University of Colorado.

SportsFan Radio Network, citing an unidentified source in the Colorado program, is reporting that Kubiak will be named as the successor to Rick Neuheisel, who stepped down Saturday to become head coach at the University of Washington.

The radio network, however, gave no time frame for the announcement. Colorado spokesman Dave Plati said the school has not scheduled a news conference.

"Our athletic director (Dick Tharp) is still contacting candidates," Plati said.

Br6oncos coach Mike Shanahan confirmed today the school has expressed interest in Kubiak, but that no offers or agreements have been made.

"I have spoken with CU athletic director Dick Tharp about granting permission for Gary to talk to CU, and that will be granted after this Sunday's game, regardless of the outcome," said Shanahan. "Our entire focus at this time is on the New York Jets and in winning the AFC championship, and nothing else will occur until this game has been played."

Kubiak is in his fourth season as offensive coordinator of the Broncos, who are preparing to meet the Jets in the AFC championship game Sunday. He had been mentioned for collegiate coaching vacancies in the past and possible NFL jobs after helping Denver's high-powered offense to an AFC-best 380.8 yards per game.

A backup to quarterback John Elway in Denver from 1983-1991, Kubiak spent two seasons as an assistant at Texas A&M, his alma mater. He also was quarterbacks coach for the San Francisco 49ers in 1994 before moving to Denver along with Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan.

Northwestern coach Gary Barnett had been mentioned as a prominent candidate in Colorado, where he spent six seasons as an assistant. But earlier this week, he denied receiving an offer from Tharp.

Purdue head coach Joe Tiller and tlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Rich Brooks also have been mentioned as candidates.

Neuheisel left Colorado for a seven-year deal worth a reported $7 million. He guided Colorado to three winning seasons in four years, compiling a 33-14 mark that included three bowl wins in as many games.

Colorado was 8-4 mark this past season, bouncing back from a 5-6 mark in 1997, the school's worst record in 13 years.

© 1998 CBS SportsLine USA, Inc. All rights reserved