The lights stay on late inside the Raiders’ facility, even without cameras rolling. Klint Kubiak is widely expected to become the next head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, despite the team not yet issuing an official announcement.
According to league and local reporting, the delay is procedural rather than uncertain. The focus inside the organization has already shifted from confirmation to construction. For a first-time head coach, the staff choices that follow will shape not only the season ahead, but the credibility of the hire itself.
Kubiak arrives with a defined reputation. He is expected to handle offensive play-calling duties, a model that has become increasingly common across the NFL. That decision elevates the importance of his coordinator selections, particularly on defense, while placing pressure on his offensive support staff to deliver immediate results.
Related:
- Super Bowl 2026: Date, time, location, and everything to know
- Where to watch the Super Bowl 2026? TV channel and streaming
- Super Bowl Halftime Show 2026: Everything about Bad Bunny’s performance
- How much do tickets for the Super Bowl cost in 2026?
- Super Bowl Winners List: All teams that have won the Vince Lombardi
Last season underscored the urgency. The Raiders finished near the bottom of the league in multiple offensive efficiency categories, including pass block win rate tracked by ESPN. Protection issues and inconsistency up front stalled drives and limited schematic flexibility.
“This feels like an obvious choice… Janocko came over from the New Orleans Saints with Kubiak to serve as Seattle’s quarterbacks coach and did a fine job with Sam Darnold this season…
Janocko emerges as leading Offensive Coordinator candidate
On offense, familiarity appears to be the preferred path. Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko is viewed internally as a logical offensive coordinator candidate. Janocko followed Kubiak from New Orleans to Seattle and previously worked with him in Minnesota.
Hill wrote that “Janocko did a fine job with Sam Darnold this season,” a point supported by ESPN data showing improved efficiency and decision-making from the veteran quarterback under a streamlined system.
Familiar voices, immediate fixes
The offensive line remains another priority. The Raiders ranked near the bottom of the NFL in pass protection metrics last season, a flaw that repeatedly disrupted offensive rhythm. Hill suggested that Seahawks offensive line coach John Benton could be a target, bringing veteran experience and continuity into a struggling unit.
“Kubiak and Janocko had previously worked together in Minnesota…
There are external options if Kubiak looks beyond his current circle. One name floated is Brian Callahan, the former Tennessee Titans head coach. Callahan has experience coordinating under a play-calling head coach and strong ties to the Kubiak coaching tree.
Hill noted that “Callahan worked as an assistant under Gary Kubiak with the Broncos team that won the Super Bowl in the 2015 season,” adding that his head-coaching experience could help Kubiak navigate the transition. NFL Network has reported that Callahan is also pursuing coordinator roles elsewhere, including with the New York Giants.
The Defensive Coordinator decision looms largest
Defensively, the questions are more open. Patrick Graham has officially signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leaving a critical vacancy at defensive coordinator. The Seahawks finished last season among the league’s more efficient defenses by DVOA, according to FTN Football Outsiders, making that staff a natural point of reference.
This hire may ultimately define Kubiak’s early tenure. Whether he leans on familiar relationships or brings in a veteran defensive voice from outside his immediate network will signal how the Raiders intend to balance continuity with accountability.
“This plan, which makes a great deal of sense, would also likely call for veteran offensive line coach John Benton to assume the same role under Kubiak and Janocko with the Raiders…
An official announcement is expected once league hiring procedures are finalized. From there, attention will turn quickly to staff confirmations, offseason planning, and setting a new foundation ahead of training camp.
This report is based on coverage from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, statistical data from ESPN, defensive efficiency metrics from FTN Football Outsiders, and league reporting from NFL Network. All performance references reflect the most recently completed NFL season.
Read the full article here
