The Battle of the Bay this week features a family reunion as Raiders offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak square off Sunday at Levi's Stadium. The brothers worked together on Kyle Shanahan's San Francisco staff in 2023, with Klay as assistant quarterbacks coach and Klint as passing game coordinator, and have coached against each other three times previously when Klint was with the Seattle Seahawks.
Klay Kubiak said Thursday that their father, Gary, is likely rooting for a postgame handshake and "good competition" rather than a specific winner. "Whether you're on the same team, you're competing against each other, it's rare opportunities to share an opportunity with a sibling," Klay said. "To get to see him and say hello, it's pretty cool. It's a blessing."
Klint Kubiak said Wednesday it was "great reconnecting" with his brother during their shared season in San Francisco, noting that being "in the fire with your brother every day, it definitely builds a closer bond." The brothers, who played together at Colorado State — Klint at safety and Klay at quarterback — plan to avoid each other this week and talk after the game.
Klint's one-year stint as 49ers passing game coordinator left a strong impression. Tight end George Kittle called him a "Cookie Monster" for bringing treats to meetings and praised his detailed game-plan installations and positive reinforcement style. "Klint is a hell of a head coach," Kittle said. "I've heard nothing but great things from the Raiders guys. But no, I'm a huge fan of Klint Kubiak. He didn't have to leave."
Quarterback Brock Purdy credited Klint with helping him achieve single-season career highs in touchdown passes (31), passing yards (4,280) and passer rating (113) during the 2023 season. "He was always real with me," Purdy said. Purdy added that the 49ers' signal callers still use some of Klint's phrasings for "footwork and eyes."
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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