The NFL head coaching carousel continues to spin, but is rapidly narrowing. With the Buffalo Bills’ elevation of offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach on Tuesday, only three teams remain with vacancies: the Las Vegas Raiders, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Cleveland Browns.
Raiders’ Extensive Search
The Raiders’ search has been particularly exhaustive, involving 15 candidates since January 5th. Six of those candidates have already accepted head coaching roles or prominent offensive coordinator positions elsewhere. Recently, Las Vegas conducted second interviews with Joe Brady, Denver Broncos offensive pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, and former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll on Monday. However, both Brady and Daboll are now off the market.
A Clear Frontrunner Emerges
Despite the extensive process, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak appears to be the leading candidate. Raiders minority owner and Fox Sports NFL analyst Tom Brady’s public praise of Kubiak during Seahawks broadcasts throughout the regular season and playoffs suggests a strong preference. Kubiak, 38, orchestrated a Seattle offense that ranked third in the NFL in points scored (483) and eighth in total yards (5,973), culminating in a 31-27 playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
If Kubiak is selected, it could represent a significant shift for the Raiders, prioritizing an offensive philosophy that previous coaches only discussed in theory.
Contingency Plans
However, the Raiders must also consider alternatives should Kubiak decline their offer. Denver Broncos offensive pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Davis Webb remains a popular choice, with Broncos head coach Sean Payton recently responding to questions about Webb’s potential move to Las Vegas. Webb, a former NFL quarterback, is praised for his player development skills, particularly with Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. This is particularly relevant as the Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Should both Kubiak and Webb prove unattainable, the Raiders’ fallback option appears to be Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who was interviewed twice, most recently on January 20th. Evero, 45, has a reputation as a highly adaptable defensive play caller, having previously led stingy defensive units with the Broncos in 2022 and the Panthers in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many head coaching vacancies remain in the NFL?
As of Tuesday, February 6th, there are three remaining head coaching vacancies: with the Las Vegas Raiders, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Cleveland Browns.
How many candidates did the Raiders interview for their head coaching position?
The Raiders interviewed a total of 15 candidates since January 5th.
Who is currently considered the frontrunner for the Raiders’ head coaching job?
Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is currently considered the frontrunner.
As the Raiders’ search nears its conclusion, the question remains: will they secure their preferred candidate, or will they need to adjust their plans?
