Former Steelers WR Coach Zach Azzanni Joins Raiders: A Look at Kubiak’s Offensive Vision
The Las Vegas Raiders are bolstering their offensive coaching staff with a familiar face for new head coach Klint Kubiak. Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni is expected to accept on the same role in Las Vegas, marking another shift in the coaching landscape following Mike Tomlin’s departure from Pittsburgh.
A Decade in the NFL and Beyond
Azzanni is entering his tenth NFL season in 2026, with a career spanning 24 years as a wide receivers coach at both the collegiate and professional levels. Before joining the Steelers in 2024, he held positions with the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos (2018-2022), and New York Jets. His collegiate experience includes roles at Florida, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Familiarity Breeds Trust: Azzanni and Kubiak’s Past
This isn’t the first time Azzanni and Kubiak will be working together. The pair were colleagues in Denver in 2022, where Kubiak served as the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach even as Azzanni coached the wide receivers. During that season, the Broncos ranked 19th in passing yards, with Jerry Jeudy leading the team in receiving.
Why the Raiders Targeted Azzanni
Kubiak clearly values Azzanni’s experience and expertise. Despite only one year working together previously, Kubiak trusts Azzanni to develop the Raiders’ current wide receiver corps, including Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. Azzanni has a track record of working with young receivers, having coached Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Tim Patrick in Denver, and Garrett Wilson during his early years in New York.
Azzanni’s Steelers Tenure: A Mixed Bag
During his two seasons with the Steelers (2024-2025), Azzanni worked with a variety of receivers, including George Pickens, DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III, and Adam Thielen. While Austin experienced some of his best seasons under Azzanni’s guidance, other players like Wilson faced challenges. The Steelers ultimately traded Pickens prior to the final season of his rookie contract.
The Raiders’ Offensive Outlook
The Raiders’ decision to hire Azzanni aligns with their broader offensive strategy under Kubiak, who comes from the Seattle Seahawks, an offense known for its emphasis on involving wide receivers. Last season, Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the NFL with 1,783 receiving yards.
Draft Capital and Future Potential
The Raiders hold the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are widely expected to select Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner. This provides Azzanni with the opportunity to develop a potentially elite receiver and build a dynamic passing attack.
FAQ
Q: How long has Zach Azzanni been coaching wide receivers?
A: Approximately 24 years, including both collegiate and professional experience.
Q: What other NFL teams has Zach Azzanni coached for?
A: The Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Q: What was Klint Kubiak’s role in Denver when he worked with Zach Azzanni?
A: Kubiak was the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Q: Who is expected to be the Raiders’ first overall draft pick in 2026?
A: Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana.
Did you realize? Zach Azzanni will turn 50 in August.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on how Azzanni utilizes the Raiders’ draft picks to reshape their wide receiver room. His success will be a key indicator of the Raiders’ offensive progress.
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