Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak retired from the NFL after 36 seasons as a player and coach.

In a statement Thursday, Kubiak made official the expected news that he's exiting pro football one year after replacing Kevin Stefanski as offensive coordinator of the Vikings.

"I've been on a football field for most of my life, and now I look forward to stepping away from the game and enjoying more time with my family and friends," Kubiak said. "I offer my sincere thanks to the owners and fans of the Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers for giving me opportunities to be a part of this great game and for treating me and my family so well over the years. I'll miss the competition, the planning, game days and being part of a team. But, more than anything, I'll cherish the friendships I've made along the way with players, coaches and staff. I love the game of football and will forever be its biggest fan."

Kubiak's departure puts the Vikings in position to hire a sixth offensive coordinator in eight seasons.

"Gary Kubiak is leaving an impressive legacy in the NFL, and his impact will be shown for decades to come in the players he's guided and the coaches he's mentored. There's not a better man in our business than Gary," Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said in a statement Thursday. "The entire Vikings organization appreciates what Gary did for us and what he has meant to the game."

The Vikings offense ranked fourth overall in yards per game (393.3) and finished 11th overall in points at 26.9 per game in 2020.

Kubiak was 82-75 in 10 seasons as a head coach and 5-2 in seven playoff games. He coached the Houston Texans from 2006-13 and Denver Broncos in 2015-16 leading the Broncos to a win in Super Bowl 50 in 2016.

Kubiak's son, Klint, coached the Vikings' quarterbacks the past two seasons.

The 197th overall pick by the Broncos in 1983, Kubiak played quarterback at Texas AM and served as John Elway's backup in Denver. Kubiak -- as player and coach -- and the Broncos made six Super Bowl appearances and won three world championships. He also won a Super Bowl as an assistant with the 49ers after the 1994 season.

--Field Level Media