Gary Kubiak, Ron Rivera tabbed as 2025 Polynesian Bowl head coaches 

Gary Kubiak and Ron Rivera are returning to the sidelines.

The Polynesian Bowl announced Thursday that Rivera and Kubiak have been selected as head coaches for the 2025 Polynesian Bowl.

The annual high school all-star game, which will take place Jan. 17, 2025 at Kunuiakea Stadium and air on NFL Network, will see the opposing coaches from Super Bowl 50 square off once again. Kubiak’s Denver Broncos bested Rivera’s Carolina Panthers that Sunday, but the pair will now face off on a Friday, leading a host of the nation’s top senior high school players.

“I am thrilled to serve as a head coach for the 2025 Polynesian Bowl,” Kubiak said in the press release. “What an amazing opportunity to coach tomorrow’s NFL stars in paradise!”

Added Rivera: “It’s an incredible honor to coach the nation’s top high school football players at the Polynesian Bowl. This is a wonderful way to celebrate culture and play the game we love.”

Kubiak will helm Team Makai (Hawaiian for ocean), while Rivera will lead Team Mauka (Hawaiian for mountain).

Rivera is coming off his final season as head coach with the Washington Commanders, whom he led from 2020-23 following his tenure with the Panthers (2011-19).

Kubiak was the head coach of the Houston Texans from 2006-2013 prior to taking the reins for the Broncos from 2015-16.

The former Super Bowl foes will follow past notable head coaches of the game such as Romeo Crennel (2023), June Jones (2017), Marvin Lewis (2024), Dick Vermeil (2018), Doug Williams (2022) and Mike Zimmer (2024), among others.

Past most valuable players for the game include current Buffalo Bills pass rusher A.J. Epenesa and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.

For more information, visit PolynesianBowl.com.