Raiders Set to Hire Seahawks’ Klint Kubiak as Next Head Coach
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The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to name Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their next head coach, NFL Media reports, though the deal cannot be finalized until after Super Bowl LVIII where Kubiak and the Seahawks will face the New England Patriots. This appointment signals a significant shift for the Raiders, who are looking to revitalize their offense and rebuild following a disappointing 3-14 season.
A Rising Offensive Mind
Kubiak, 38, has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s most promising offensive coordinators. He currently directs a Seattle offense spearheaded by quarterback Sam Darnold, which consistently ranks among the league’s most productive units. Prior to his successful stint in Seattle, Kubiak served as the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in 2024. His coaching journey also includes a role as the San Francisco 49ers’ pass game coordinator under Kyle Shanahan, and formative years working alongside his father, Gary Kubiak, and Kevin Stefanski with the Minnesota Vikings.
Observers note that Kubiak’s offensive schemes draw heavily from the philosophies of his mentors. “You can clearly see elements of the Shanahan and Kubiak offenses in what he does,” a senior NFL analyst stated. This season, the Seahawks excelled in strategic offensive approaches, ranking second in under-center rate and seventh in play-action dropback rate. They also led the NFL in yards per attempt on play-action passes, showcasing a dynamic and effective attack. Overall, Seattle’s offense finished eighth in points per game and yards per game, sixth in yards per play, and second in net yards per pass attempt. The success of Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba – who led the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards – and their respective Pro Bowl selections, further underscore Kubiak’s coaching prowess.
A Family Legacy Continues
With Kubiak on the verge of taking the helm in Las Vegas, he and his father, Gary Kubiak, will become the 10th father-son head-coaching duo in NFL history. They will join a distinguished list including:
- Brian and Marty Schottenheimer
- Kyle and Mike Shanahan
- Brian and Bill Callahan
- Dave and Don Shula
- Rex and Buddy Ryan
- Wade and Bum Phillips
- Mike and Dick Nolan
- Jim Mora Jr. and Jim Mora
- John and Jim Fassel
The Kubiak family’s deep roots in the NFL add another layer of intrigue to this coaching change. Notably, Klint’s brother, San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, also garnered interest during this head-coaching cycle, highlighting the family’s growing influence in the league.
Challenges and Opportunities in Las Vegas
Kubiak faces a considerable challenge in turning around the Raiders, who are coming off a dismal season that resulted in the firing of Pete Carroll after just one year. However, the Raiders possess a key asset: the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy and national championship winner, the Raiders are laying the foundation for a potential offensive resurgence.
Despite the promising draft pick, significant work remains to address the team’s weaknesses. The offensive line is a particularly pressing concern, having been graded as the 28th-best pass-blocking unit and the 30th-best run-blocking unit by Pro Football Focus. However, there is young talent on the roster, including tight end Brock Bowers, who caught 112 passes for 1,194 yards as a rookie in 2024 before an injury-impacted 2025, and running back Ashton Jeanty, who finished with 1,321 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns despite facing challenging circumstances. Jeanty’s impressive performance, including 188 yards and two touchdowns against the Houston Texans in Week 16, demonstrates his potential as a key offensive weapon.
Addressing Defensive Concerns and Player Futures
On the defensive side, Kubiak’s immediate attention will be focused on the situation surrounding Maxx Crosby. The star defensive end was sidelined late in the season with a knee injury, a decision he publicly disagreed with and which has prompted him to contemplate his future with the team. “Kubiak will need to navigate this situation carefully to retain one of the Raiders’ most valuable players,” one league insider commented. Kubiak may also consider bringing in defensive coaches from Seattle to help rebuild the Raiders’ defense and implement his vision for the team.
The Raiders’ decision to hire Klint Kubiak represents a bold move towards a modern, offensive-minded approach. While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the combination of a promising young coach, a potential franchise quarterback in Mendoza, and existing young talent provides a glimmer of hope for a struggling franchise.
