The Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers will meet on Sunday at Levi's Stadium, creating a rare family reunion for the Kubiak name. Klint Kubiak, 39, will serve as the Raiders' first-time head coach, while his brother Klay, 38, will assist San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan as the offensive coordinator. Their youngest brother, Klein, 35, will observe from the press box while performing advanced scouting duties for the Dallas Cowboys.
This matchup highlights the enduring influence of their father, Gary Kubiak, a four-time Super Bowl winner and former head coach of the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans. Gary, now 65, never predicted his three sons would follow him into the NFL, yet their careers have become deeply intertwined with his legacy. The family's connection to the sport began when Gary served as an offensive coordinator in Denver from 1995 to 2005, exposing his children to the game almost constantly.
Klint's path to the head coaching position was not immediate. After playing for Colorado State, he worked as a graduate assistant at Texas A&M, where he initially struggled before finding his niche on offense. He later worked for the Broncos, Vikings, Saints, and Seahawks before taking the Raiders' job. Raiders general manager John Spytek notes that Klint shares his father's thoroughness and accountability, traits that have earned him respect from players like Maxx Crosby and Kirk Cousins.
Klay took a different route, earning a master's degree in English and teaching at a high school in Houston before entering professional coaching. He joined the 49ers organization in 2021 and has risen to the offensive coordinator role. His career has been closely linked to Kyle Shanahan, a longtime friend of the family, who praised Klay's work ethic and football knowledge. San Francisco currently holds a 7-1 record, with an offense that ranks third in the league in points per game.
Klein, the youngest brother, chose a career in scouting rather than coaching. He played at Rice University and has worked in personnel roles for the Texans, Broncos, and Cowboys. He described his role as building teams through free agency and the draft, a task he finds fascinating. Klein has worked alongside his brothers on staffs, including a memorable season with the Broncos in 2016 when Gary was head coach and Klint was an offensive assistant.
Gary Kubiak has enjoyed watching his sons navigate their respective roles. He has recently visited both San Francisco and Las Vegas, observing his sons in action. He described the experience as a unique opportunity to relate to their careers and support them as they handle the pressures of professional football. The family's success is a testament to the strong foundation Gary built and the individual dedication each brother has shown.
The upcoming game is not just a regular season contest but a symbolic moment for the Kubiak family. Klint aims to establish himself as a head coach, while Klay continues to develop under Shanahan, and Klein refines his scouting skills. Their shared history and distinct paths reflect the diverse ways they have embraced the game their father loved. As they prepare for the game, the brothers remain focused on their individual responsibilities while celebrating their shared legacy.
