EAGAN Dalvin Cook Jersey , Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings have hired Gary Kubiak as an assistant head coach and offensive adviser, a big bump in experience for Mike Zimmer’s turned-over staff.The Vikings announced the move on Monday night.Kubiak spent the last two seasons as a senior personnel adviser with the Denver Broncos after stepping down as their head coach due to health concerns. Zimmer picked Kevin Stefanski to be his offensive coordinator, his first time in that role.The 57-year-old Kubiak has 10 seasons as a head coach on his NFL resume, eight with the Houston Texans (2006-13) and two with the Broncos (2015-16). They won the Super Bowl in his first year. Kubiak also has been an offensive coordinator for 12 seasons, most recently in 2014 with the Baltimore Ravens.The Vikings also hired his son, Klint Kubiak http://www.thevikingslockerroom.com/authentic-pat-elflein-jersey , as quarterbacks coach and Brian Pariani as tight ends coach. This will be the 23rd year in the last 26 in which Pariani has worked with Gary Kubiak. Klint Kubiak was on Denver’s staff the last three seasons. If they get on the field Friday night — and most of them are expected to play — a handful of former Vikings and current Saints will see some familiar faces on the other side.The Saints have punt returner Marcus Sherels, center Nick Easton, fullback Zach Line, running back Latavius Murray and, of course, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. This will be the first time Bridgewater has played against the Vikings Womens Harrison Smith Jersey , who drafted him in the first round in 2014 and let him leave as a free agent two years ago after his massive knee injury altered plans to build their offense around him.More Vikings coverageVikings’ Kearse faces gun, drunken driving charges after arrestVikings’ Kearse apologizes, returns to work after weekend arrestPhotos of the Week: 10/20/19 – 10/26/19Vikings surge into second half thanks to Cousins, CookVikings Snap Counts: Penalties spoil Mattison’s big day“I’m proud of him, for him to be able to come back from the type of injury that he had to still be playing in the NFL,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said of Bridgewater Jaleel Johnson Jersey , who is competing to be Drew Brees‘ backup. “It was a pretty bleak outlook for him, but that’s the kind of kid he is.“He’ll try and stick it to us, just like we’re going to stick it to him.”Saints coach Sean Payton said Bridgewater is “certainly going to play a lot” in the preseason opener.“I think that a second year into what we’re doing has benefited him and he brings all those other intangibles that allow you to win that are necessary at that position,” Payton said.A priority for the Saints is replacing retired three-time Pro Bowl center Max Unger. Top candidates include rookie Erik McCoy, a second-round draft choice out of Texas A&M; Easton, signed this year as a free agent; and Cameron Tom http://www.thevikingslockerroom.com/authentic-riley-reiff-jersey , a third-year pro who began his NFL career in New Orleans as an undrafted rookie and who has played sparingly as a reserve interior lineman. The stakes are high for Easton, who has a four-year contract worth up to $22.5 million — if he can play well enough to stick around at that price. He also is trying to come back from a neck injury that wiped out his 2018 season.Since Mark Ingram left for Baltimore in free agency, the Saints have been looking for a strong inside rusher who can also catch the ball to complement star running back Alvin Kamara. Murray was signed to potentially fill that role. Returning reserve running back Dwayne Washington is also in the mix.The Vikings will get their first chance to test their new scheme directed by offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and influenced by offensive adviser Gary Kubiak. Rookie tight end Irv Smith Jr. will likely see significant playing time on his 21st birthday in his hometown, where his father, Irv Smith Sr., once played tight end for the Saints.“He’s swimming Womens Everson Griffen Jersey , because we’re asking a lot of him right now,” Kubiak said, adding: “But that’s the way it should be. That’s why he’s here.”
