Klint Kubiak Presser - 10.26.26

Klint Kubiak (0:00)

All right, I just want to start with, you know, I want to let you guys know that Kirk is our starting quarterback. There is no controversy there. He's playing at a very high level, and he's got to continue to do that for us to win, and we got to keep helping, helping, you know, all the areas around him. So, excited for him to go play here against the Jets, and I'll take any of your questions.

SPEAKER_2 (0:22)

To follow up on that, what do you guys need to do better to go around and support him in that?

Klint Kubiak (0:26)

Yes, well, we got to play a better team football. It starts with stopping the run, it starts with running the ball, those two things.

SPEAKER_3 (0:35)

Just like Ted has talked about, this is an overnight rebuild.

SPEAKER_4 (0:39)

The last four opponents showed the gap that still needs to be made up.

Klint Kubiak (0:43)

Yeah, you know, I think from our perspective as players and coaches, that's not something that's on our mind. What's on our mind is winning the next game. And we've played very talented teams and played much more competitive games than that, being the chiefs and the Bills. And so, you know, yesterday, when you start the game that slow, you put yourself in position to be behind that much. You know, you don't give yourself a chance to win.

SPEAKER_5 (1:05)

What will go into your decision when you do turn to Fernando as your starter?

Klint Kubiak (1:10)

Yeah, you know, eventually Fernando is going to play football. We have a plan. You know, we don't have a timeline for that. You know, Kirk's playing really well, and we're in the hunt.

And, you know, it's really important that we keep playing really well behind him and continue to develop Fernando. But Fernando is going to play at some point, okay? It's not going to be this week.

SPEAKER_6 (1:27)

Klint, just going off of that, I remember during the summer when you talked about making the quarterback decision, it was going to be player-led. He was going to let the team decide as a whole. Will that still be the process if you make a decision either this year or at some point this year?

Klint Kubiak (1:43)

Could you guys say it one more time?

SPEAKER_6 (1:46)

During the summer when you was talking about the quarterback situation, you wanted to be a player-led decision, make it as a team-wide thing. Will that still be the case now as well whenever that time does come about?

Klint Kubiak (1:57)

Yeah, I think when I say that, I think it becomes very evident to the players who's going to win a competition, whether it's quarterback or not.

So at the end of the day, it is going to be my decision. It's going to be what gives a team the best opportunity to win games.

SPEAKER_3 (2:14)

Klint, it's very clear you guys didn't lose that game because of one player. I'm not insinuating that, but when you look at your guard play, will there be any consideration for Trey Zune to get some reps at guard or Bryce Cable do this week something to look for a jumpstart there?

Klint Kubiak (2:30)

Yes.

SPEAKER_7 (2:33)

You mentioned the development of Fernando, how important that is for this franchise, but you mentioned Kirk being your starting quarterback for now. So are you guys prioritizing winning the teams this season with Kirk? And why do you believe Kirk is the guy to lead that?

Klint Kubiak (2:45)

Yeah, we're prioritizing winning the next game. That's the most important thing to us. And we're developing him along the way, and that has not changed. That's been the plan all along.

SPEAKER_7 (2:56)

A bright spot has been special teams for you guys. What does Joe Deaconelis just continue to bring to this group?

Klint Kubiak (3:04)

Grit, he's a veteran. He has a very talented staff with Marquise and Tim, hardworking, demanding, excellent football coach.

SPEAKER_3 (3:14)

You have been high on Dylan LaBey since you got here almost and started reviewing film, and he's rewarded you for that. Will you talk about what stood out early that you're clearly seeing manifested now, please?

Klint Kubiak (3:25)

Yes, I think if you're not the starter at any position, then you have to provide value on multiple different parts of the team, on special teams. As a third down back, you have to wear a lot of hats and do them well, and all the while be a talented teammate. And that means being accountable and having people count on you all the time. So that's what Dylan is.