Shanahan entrusted Kubiak with play-calling duties during the 49ers' season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, a game the team lost 47-24. However, the 49ers were missing quarterback Brock Purdy and other key players for the contest.
The head coach emphasized that he was pleased with Kubiak's play-calling in the Week 18 matchup.
"Klay's done as much as anyone on offense for these last two years," Shanahan said. "So, this was his second year doing that, and he gets better and better each year at it. Just hasn't had the official title yet. And now he'll get the official title, which he more than deserves, but it's more about recognizing what he's already been doing, and doing at a high level."
Kubiak had previously called plays during two preseason games. He joined Shanahan's staff in 2021 as a defensive quality control coach before transitioning to an offensive role. Kubiak served as an assistant quarterbacks coach and was promoted to offensive passing game specialist last year.
While Shanahan will continue to handle play-calling duties, he emphasized that Kubiak will remain a critical part of formulating the weekly game plan.
Kubiak is the son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak and the brother of Klint Kubiak, who served as the 49ers' passing game coordinator in 2023 before becoming the New Orleans Saints' offensive coordinator last year.
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