-- All-time leading passer at the US Naval Academy takes reins of football program – 

INTRODUCTORY PRESS CONFERENCE – TUESDAY, NOV. 9 AT 11:30

HAMBURG, N.Y. – Hilbert College President Michael S. Brophy, Ph.D. has named Jim Kubiak the first football coach in Hawks’ program history.  Kubiak brings a wealth of football experience to Hilbert with over 30 years in the game.

“I am confident that Jim Kubiak has the experience and vision to successfully lead our football program and build the foundation to compete at the NCAA Division III level,” Brophy said. “More importantly, I know Jim has the character and integrity to create a culture that will emphasize respect, honor, and Franciscan values.  It is our intention to be an asset to the Western New York community, continuing to foster strong ties to the City of Buffalo and the Southtowns.”

“I am both humbled and honored to have the opportunity to develop the Hilbert Football Program from the ground up,” Kubiak said.  “Perhaps the most exciting aspect will be the chance to serve student-athletes in the WNY Region, fulfilling dreams of competing at the collegiate level while earning an outstanding education. It will be our mission to build a culture of championship quality and to set a standard of performance on and off the field, challenging our athletes to reach for all that they can be.”

Kubiak has been a coach and executive at the collegiate level and in the Arena Football League (AFL).  He served as the Offensive Coordinator/ Quarterbacks Coach at Mansfield University (2017-18).  In the AFL, he spent time with the Georgia Force as Director of Football Operations and the Philadelphia Soul as Offensive Coordinator. 

Kubiak starred in high school locally at St. Francis and went on to play collegiately at Navy where he is the all-time leading passer.  He also spent about six years as a professional quarterback, including spending time in five NFL training camps.  Kubiak was a member of the NY Jets practice squad and started in two seasons of NFL Europe play.  He was an all-star during four AFL seasons, making All Rookie as a member of the Buffalo Destroyers and All Pro for Jerry Jones’ Dallas Desperados.  Kubiak has broad and diverse experience across three different professional football leagues and has shared the quarterback meeting room with players including Peyton Manning, Vinny Testaverde, and Chad Pennington.  His football mentors include Bill Polian, Jim McNally, and Tom Telesco.

"Quite simply, Jimmy (Kubiak) is one of the best leaders I have ever been around,” said Tom Telesco, General Manager of the Los Angeles Chargers and former teammate of Kubiak.  “This is a home run hire for Hilbert College."

Kubiak served and excelled in the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the Nimitz Class Aircraft Carrier and the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.  He was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal and Qualified Surface Warfare serving as the leader of the Bridge Watch Team as Officer of the Deck.  Upon completion of active duty service and receipt of an Honorable Discharge, Kubiak partnered with Recruiting District Buffalo as a Naval Reservist, providing motivational visits to local high schools to promote Navy programs and core values.

Kubiak spent eight years as the radio analyst for the University at Buffalo football program and runs the Western New York Quarterback Academy to help develop the next generation of quarterbacks.  He also analyzes Buffalo Bills quarterback play in a weekly in-depth feature in the Buffalo News. He and his wife, Jennifer Kubiak, RPh, PharmD, have three children, Abby, Anna, and Alaina.

QUOTES ABOUT JIM KUBIAK

Tom Telesco, General Manager – Los Angeles Chargers

"Jim Kubiak is a culture builder as much as he is a football coach.  He not only has an elite football mind but he knows how to teach, communicate, and motivate at the highest level.  Quite simply, Jimmy is one of the best leaders I have ever been around.  This is a home run hire for Hilbert College."

Jim McNally, National Football League – Offensive Line Coach/Consultant

“He is one of the best coaches in Western New York.  Hilbert is really lucky to have him as their first head coach in program history.  Let me just say, he is one of the brightest offensive minds you can find.  He is obsessed with quarterback play and he knows how to build a winning offense.  I really believe he has the skills to be an offensive coordinator at the major college level – Notre Dame, Ohio State – he is that good.”

Ben Wilkerson, Graduate Assistant/ WR Coach – University at Buffalo
Coach Kubiak was Wilkerson’s QB coach when he was in high school and was being recruited by colleges

“This is by far the most exciting news I have heard in a while! There is nobody in this area that would be a better hire than Coach Kubiak. The culture that he is going to build for his program is exactly what is needed to start a new program.  Hilbert is in very good hands with Coach Kubiak.”

Sr. Marcia Ann Fiutko, FSSJ – Member, Hilbert College Board of Trustees

“I remember Jim Kubiak fondly from his days at St. Francis High School, as a junior in my Morality and Social Justice class.  Not only was he a great athlete but perhaps more importantly, a man of integrity and sound character.  I was so proud of him when he became the quarterback for the Navy football team.   Steeped in the Franciscan tradition, he is truly a Renaissance Man and a great role model.  Hilbert is blest to have him as their football coach.  Not only will he masterfully create a great Hawks’ football team but he will use his amazing skills to build character, team spirit,  good sportsmanship and care for others in those privileged to be coached by him!” 

Ben Pappas – Lt. Col., United States Marine Corps. (retired)

“I have known Jim for over 30 years from my High School football Captain at St Francis, my college football captain at Navy, a fellow Naval Officer, and now my son’s QB coach and mentor.  As a leader, he has always been a model of integrity and character.  He possesses such an infectious positive attitude, dedication, and drive that it lifts those around him to reach their full potential.  I would put my full faith and trust in Coach Jim Kubiak to win on and off the field.  He will make his team win in football, but more importantly, he will teach them to win in life.” 

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOOTBALL PRESS CONFERENCE

WHEN: Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Hilbert College Campus – Student Union and Welcome Center (Franciscan Hall); Main Atrium
5200 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075
WHAT: Introduction of Jim Kubiak as head football coach
WHO: Hilbert President Dr. Michael S. Brophy; Head Coach Jim Kubiak; community and local football leaders.

Hilbert College, located in suburban Hamburg, N.Y., south of Buffalo, is a private four-year college founded in 1957 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. With nearly 800 students, Hilbert is a dynamic Western New York college that offers career-focused majors, including one of the top criminal justice programs in the region, and more than 50 minors and concentrations. The college’s engaging, student-centered campus community offers numerous leadership, internship, and service learning opportunities from which students launch successful careers while making positive changes in their communities. The Hilbert Blueprint promotes a well-rounded student experience over four years – starting with the Foundations Seminar in the freshman year, followed by Sophomore Service, Junior Symposium, and culminating with the Senior Capstone. Hilbert has expanded its academic offerings with the college’s first graduate programs in criminal justice administration and public administration, including a track in health administration.