Chron: Texans coach-to-be Kubiak, family tour Houston

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/3612706.html

By JOHN McCLAIN
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

The first day of Gary Kubiak’s new life as a head football coach was today when he brought his family from Denver to Houston to sign a five-year contract to become the second head coach in Texans’ history. Kubiak, his wife, Rhonda, and their three sons – Klint, Klay and Klein – arrived at George Bush International Airport shortly after noon to begin a new career in their hometown.

“This is the first time I’ve gotten off a plane in Houston, and I know that I’m not going back,” Kubiak said before he was taken to Reliant Stadium to sign his contract. “I feel great. This is an exciting feeling for me and my family. We’re really looking forward to it.”

When the Kubiaks arrived on a United flight from Denver, they were greeted by Texans vice president of communications Tony Wyllie and media relations director Kevin Cooper.

Kubiak, who will be introduced as the Texans’ coach at a Thursday news conference at noon at the Hobby Center, still is trying to put together his first coaching staff. He got a late start because the Broncos reached the AFC Championship Game in which they lost to Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Kubiak grew up in Houston and starred at St. Pius High School before playing at Texas A&M. He interviewed with the Texans in 2001, but Dom Capers was hired instead. Now Kubiak replaces Capers, who was fired after they finished 2-14 in his fourth season.

“It’s hard to describe how I feel right now,” Kubiak said. “There’s a lot to get done, but I’m excited about the people I’m going to do it with.”

After spending 20 years in Denver as a quarterback and assistant coach, Kubiak spent his last night in the Mile High City being toasted by his close friend and mentor, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan. Shanahan threw a party for the Kubiaks.

“Yeah, we had a little going-away deal,” Kubiak said. “It was a tough night for us. We’re leaving some great people, but now I’ve got an opportunity to come home and work with some great people. That’s what makes it so special. “This day will always be special because it’s the day I came home. Hopefully, it’s the first of many great days we’re going to have with the Texans.”

While Kubiak tries to complete his staff, his wife will take care of family members and arrange for both families to attend the news conference. “We were born and raised in Houston, so Houston’s home,” Rhonda Kubiak said. “This is where our families are. Being at home is what family’s all about.

“Gary has earned this opportunity. The boys and I are so proud of him, and we’re all behind him. It’s a big step for us, but we’re doing it together, just like we have for the last 23 years.”

The Kubiaks haven’t resided in Houston since he left for Texas A&M.

“But all our boys were born here; I made sure of that,” Rhonda Kubiak said. “They have Houston birth certificates, so we’re finally home.”