The Las Vegas Raiders announced the hiring of Klint Kubiak as their 25th head coach, a move aimed at revitalizing an offense that finished last in points (14.1) and total yards (245.2) last season.
Why the Raiders Chose Kubiak
Kubiak, 38, comes off a season as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator that culminated in a Super Bowl LX victory. Under his guidance, Seattle ranked third in points (28.4 per game) and eighth in total yards (351.4) in 2025, a stark improvement from the previous year’s output.
General manager John Spytek, working closely with minority owner Tom Brady, emphasized an “open‑minded” search that ultimately favored offensive expertise. Of the 15 candidates interviewed, ten had offensive backgrounds, including Davis Webb, Mike McDaniel and Brian Daboll.
What Kubiak Brings to Las Vegas
Kubiak’s scheme leans heavily on versatile personnel groupings such as 12‑personnel (one RB, two WR, two TE) and 21‑personnel (two RB, one TE, two WR), forcing defenses to respect the run and opening up play‑action opportunities.
His pedigree includes time on the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, a stint as offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in 2024, and quarterback development experience with Sam Darnold, Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins.
Key Areas for Immediate Improvement
The Raiders’ current wide‑receiver corps—highlighted by Brock Bowers (64 catches, 680 yards, seven TDs) and Tre Tucker (57 catches, 696 yards, five TDs)—lags behind Seattle’s talent pool that featured Jaxon Smith‑Njigba, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp. Adding a top‑tier receiver in free agency could alleviate pressure on Bowers.
Off the line, left tackle Kolton Miller is secured, but interior depth remains a concern. Potential free‑agent targets include center Tyler Linderbaum, guard Zion Johnson and guard David Edwards, while retaining veteran left guard Dylan Parham may provide continuity.
Running back Ashton Jeanty (975 yards, 3.7 ypc) will benefit from Kubiak’s outside‑zone emphasis, yet a complementary back could be necessary to replicate Seattle’s two‑back success with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.
Looking Ahead
If Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is selected with the No. 1 pick in April’s draft, Kubiak’s familiarity with play‑action and outside‑zone concepts could develop him an ideal mentor for the rookie.
Analysts expect the Raiders to be active in free agency and the draft, focusing on interior linemen, a marquee receiver and a secondary running‑back option to maximize Kubiak’s offensive blueprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders?
Klint Kubiak, former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator, has been hired as the Raiders’ 25th head coach.
What offensive philosophy does Kubiak plan to implement?
Kubiak runs a version of the West Coast offense that emphasizes versatile personnel groupings, heavy use of 12‑ and 21‑personnel, and an outside‑zone running scheme to create mismatches.
What are the Raiders’ primary roster needs under the new regime?
The team needs to bolster its offensive line interior, add a high‑impact wide receiver to complement Brock Bowers, and acquire a second running back to support Ashton Jeanty in Kubiak’s system.
How do you think Kubiak’s offensive approach will reshape the Raiders’ identity?
