Kubiak Turns Down Colorado Job

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

January 18, 1999 / 4:34 PM EST / CBS Sportsline

Gary Kubiak is staying with the Denver Broncos.

The offensive coordinator rejected an offer Monday to become coach of the University of Colorado, saying he does not want to leave the Super Bowl champions.

Kubiak had spoken repeatedly with Colorado athletic director Dick Tharp and was said to be the choice to replace Rick Neuheisel. Neuheisel quit Jan. 9 to coach Washington.

"Those kids need a commitment. They need someone that would give them 100 percent. I'm not ready to do that," Kubiak said at a news conference at Broncos headquarters.

Kubiak, who interviewed with the Cleveland Browns last month and attracted the attention of other NFL teams, said he had no plans to leave the Broncos any time soon.

"This year, Gary Kubiak will not be a candidate for any opportunities," Kubiak said. "I've got to grow as a coach."

Kubiak's announcement came one day after the Broncos beat the New York Jets 23-10 to advance to the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year. Denver will play Atlanta in the NFL title game on Jan. 31.

On Sunday, after Denver's victory, Kubiak said he planned to decide "within 24 to 48 hours" whether to accept the Colorado offer, but that he would remain with the Broncos through the Super Bowl regardless.

Saying he was "not good at doing two things," Kubiak said the last five days -- during which he was preparing the Broncos for the AFC Championship Game while being identified as the front-runner for the Colorado job -- have been overwhelming.

Kubiak spoke with Tharp on Wednesday night and again after Sunday's game. He gave his decision to Tharp, who asked Kubiak to sleep on it. They talked again Monday morning and Kubiak remained firm.

"I have to give an answer from my heart," Kubiak said. "Everything kept coming up the same."

Kubiak said he realized it wasn't the best thing for him or his family. He insisted there were no negatives about the Colorado job and Tharp "bent over backwards to make this work.

"The opportunity there is tremendous," Kubiak said.

Colorado is looking to get a new coach on board because national signing day is Feb. 3.

Other candidates mentioned for the Colorado job are Northwestern coach Gary Barnett and Purdue's Joe Tiller.