Klint Kubiak Emerging as Top Head Coaching Candidate After Breakout Season with Seahawks
As the coaching carousel continues to spin in the NFL, one name is gaining serious traction: Klint Kubiak. The Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator is firmly in the mix for a head coaching job, and according to insider reports, he’s not just a candidate-he’s a frontrunner.
NFL insider Adam Schefter recently stated that Kubiak is expected to land one of two open head coaching positions: either with the Las Vegas Raiders or the Arizona Cardinals. “He’s gonna get the Raiders or he’s gonna get the Cardinals job,” Schefter said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “He’s definitely getting one of those jobs.”
That’s a bold claim, but when you look at what Kubiak has accomplished this season, it’s not hard to see why teams are lining up.
A Breakout Year in Seattle
Kubiak joined the Seahawks as offensive coordinator this season, and the results speak for themselves. Seattle finished the regular season ranked seventh in total offense, averaging 351.4 yards per game and punching in 51 touchdowns. That kind of production helped propel the Seahawks to an NFC title and a trip to Super Bowl LX, where they’ll face off against the New England Patriots on February 8.
The numbers are strong, but what’s made Kubiak stand out isn’t just the stats-it’s the way he’s elevated the offense with a clear identity and a collaborative approach. Under his guidance, Seattle’s offense has looked cohesive, efficient, and most importantly, dangerous.
Raiders, Cardinals Eyeing a New Direction
Both the Raiders and Cardinals are coming off disappointing seasons and are in need of a fresh start.
In Las Vegas, Pete Carroll was brought in for the 2025 season, but a 3-14 record led to a quick exit after just one year. The Raiders are now in search of a coach who can bring long-term stability and offensive innovation-two things Kubiak has shown he can deliver.
Meanwhile, Arizona parted ways with Jonathan Gannon after three seasons and a 15-36 overall record. The Cardinals also finished 3-14 this year, landing at the bottom of the NFC West. Gannon has since taken over as the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, leaving Arizona with a major vacancy at the top.
Both teams are clearly looking to reset, and Kubiak’s name continues to surface as a top choice for both franchises.
Mike Macdonald on Kubiak: “It’s All About the Team”
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald didn’t hold back when asked about his offensive coordinator. On Friday, he praised Kubiak’s team-first mentality and the humility he brings to the job-qualities that have helped create a positive, productive environment inside the building.
“I think the thing that I appreciate the most about Klint is he’s a team player,” Macdonald said. “It’s all about what’s best for the team all the time. And he takes a lot of pride in that, that it’s a team effort.”
Macdonald also highlighted Kubiak’s willingness to share credit, pointing to the collaborative nature of the offensive staff and the players’ execution as key to their success.
“There’s a humility behind how he operates that creates an environment where you’re getting all those positive aspects for everybody involved,” Macdonald added.
What’s Next?
With the Super Bowl just around the corner, Kubiak’s immediate focus remains on helping the Seahawks bring home the Lombardi Trophy. But once the confetti settles, don’t be surprised if he’s quickly named the next head coach of either the Raiders or the Cardinals.
This season has been a coming-out party for Klint Kubiak. And with multiple teams eager to hand him the keys to their franchise, it looks like his next chapter is about to begin.