Klint Kubiak has officially been named the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. The announcement came on Monday, following the Seattle Seahawks’ 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. At 38 years old, Kubiak steps into his first head coaching role after accumulating 12 years of experience in the NFL, previously serving as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator.
Kubiak’s appointment had been anticipated for some time, with reports confirming the Raiders’ plans to hire him as early as February 1. This was shortly after the Raiders conducted their final interview with him in Seattle, a crucial step in the hiring process that could not be finalized until after the conclusion of the NFL season due to league regulations. During a live interview at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Kubiak expressed his enthusiasm for the new position, stating he was “fired up” to join the Raiders.
The Raiders had begun their search for a new coach after parting ways with Pete Carroll, who recorded a disappointing 3-14 record in his only season with the team. Kubiak becomes the fifth head coach for the Raiders in the past five years. The organization has not made a playoff appearance since 2021 and has not reached the Super Bowl since 2003, with their last victory in the championship game dating back to 1984.
General manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady led the coaching search that culminated in Kubiak’s hiring. The front office now faces the financial burden of compensating previous coaches, including over $30 million owed to Carroll from his reported $45 million contract.
Kubiak’s coaching journey has seen him move between various roles, marking his sixth different position in as many years. His recent success is noteworthy, particularly his role in coaching at the Super Bowl for the third time, where he called plays for the Seahawks. He brings a rich football legacy, being the eldest son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak, who led both the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos.
The Raiders possess a strong foundation for Kubiak to build upon, with young offensive talent like running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers. Jeanty has already expressed his excitement about Kubiak’s arrival. Additionally, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, projected to be the top pick in the upcoming draft, has praised Kubiak for his work in developing Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold this past season.
As the Raiders move forward, attention will shift to assembling Kubiak’s coaching staff. His experience on the offensive side suggests potential candidates for the offensive coordinator position, while the choice for defensive coordinator may come as a surprise to many. The coming weeks will be crucial as Kubiak lays the groundwork for the Raiders’ future and aims to revitalize a team hungry for success.
