January 1, 2017, Kubiak announced in a meeting with his team that he was stepping down from his position due to health issues. He made his retirement official during a press conference the next day, calling it an "extremely difficult decision" and thanking Elway, CEO Joe Ellis, owner Pat Bowlen, and the Broncos fans for their support of him. He was succeeded by Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who had served as Kubiak's defensive backs coach during his tenure on the Houston Texans. In 2016, the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame awarded its NPASHF Excellence in Sports Award to Gary Kubiak. Minnesota Vikings (2019–2020) After a two-year hiatus, Kubiak expressed interest in returning to coaching. Initial reports stated that Kubiak would return to the Broncos coaching staff as offensive coordinator. However, the Broncos would surprisingly reverse that decision a few days later due to disagreements with newly-appointed head coach Vic Fangio on the team's potential offensive philosophy and staffing. While he had the opportunity to remain on the personnel department, Kubiak decided to leave the organization after a total of 15 seasons with the Denver Broncos. Kubiak also interviewed for the Jacksonville Jaguars' vacant offensive coordinator spot in early 2019, a job that eventually went to John DeFilippo. Kubiak would officially announce his return to coaching weeks later, joining Mike Zimmer's staff as an assistant head coach and offensive advisor for the Minnesota Vikings. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2020 following the departure of Kevin Stefanski, who left to accept the head coaching position of the Cleveland Browns. Kubiak's final game as an NFL coach was on January 3, 2021, a 37-35 win over the Detroit Lions. On January 21, 2021, Kubiak announced that he would be retiring from coaching, after 29 years. Administrative career Denver Broncos (2017–2018) Many expected Kubiak to remain involved in football in a non-coaching capacity after stepping down as head coach. He remained in contact with Elway after his retirement, fueling speculation that he would remain involved with the organization. Six months after his retirement, Kubiak officially rejoined the Denver Broncos as a Senior Personnel Adviser. Basing himself out of his home in Texas, Kubiak would analyze offensive college prospects ahead of the draft and assist in free agency. Towards the end of the 2017 NFL season, Elway would promote Kubiak to an "enlarged" role within the front office - third