The 49ers get a sense of relief this offseason as Klay Kubiak intends to stay with the team for the 2026 season.
While much of the NFL spent January consumed by interviews, rumors, and rapid-fire coaching changes, San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak quietly made one of the offseason’s most impactful decisions.
Rather than chase a head-coaching opportunity elsewhere, Kubiak removed himself from consideration for league vacancies and committed to staying with the 49ers for the 2026 season.
The move reinforces a growing sense of continuity inside a franchise that has long valued offensive cohesion under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Kubiak, 37, has been part of the organization since 2021 and has steadily carved out a larger role within Shanahan’s staff.
His journey has been methodical, from defensive quality control coach to assistant quarterbacks coach, to passing game specialist, and ultimately to offensive coordinator in 2025.
That promotion proved timely. Despite a season riddled with injuries, Kubiak helped guide a resilient offense that still ranked among the league’s better units.
San Francisco finished seventh in total yards and 10th in scoring, accomplishments made more impressive by the circumstances.
Brock Purdy missed time, George Kittle was sidelined for six games, Ricky Pearsall was unavailable for half the season, and Brandon Aiyuk did not play at all.
Backup quarterback Mac Jones was thrust into the lineup for eight starts, yet the offensive structure remained intact.
Around the league, that adaptability sparked interest.
With 10 head-coaching openings this offseason, Kubiak became a popular name among teams seeking an offensive mind capable of modernizing their scheme.
He interviewed virtually with the Pittsburgh Steelers and drew attention from the Las Vegas Raiders, among others, before deciding to step away from the process altogether.
Pittsburgh has since moved toward hiring Mike McCarthy, while the Raiders, Bills, Browns, and Cardinals continue their searches.
Shanahan never hid how highly he values Kubiak’s presence. The 49ers’ head coach has historically been selective with the offensive coordinator title, previously granting it only to Mike McDaniel before his departure to Miami.
In Shanahan’s system, the role carries real authority, including play-calling responsibilities, making any “lateral” move elsewhere a nonstarter from San Francisco’s perspective.
For Kubiak, the choice appears rooted in long-term growth rather than short-term opportunity.
Remaining with Shanahan gives him a chance to refine his offense further, stabilize the quarterback position, and build on a foundation already proven under adversity.
Another strong season in 2026 could place him right back at the center of next year’s hiring cycle, with even more leverage.