Maxx Crosby Buys In as Klint Kubiak Sets a Tone Built on Tape, Not Talk
When the Raiders introduced Klint Kubiak as their new head coach, the message wasn’t flashy. No sweeping promises, no grand declarations.
Just a focus on the fundamentals-the kind that show up on film, not in press conferences. And if that sounds familiar, it’s because it mirrors the mindset of the Raiders’ defensive heartbeat: Maxx Crosby.
Crosby, never one to sugarcoat, offered his first public thoughts on Kubiak shortly after the coach’s introductory press conference. On his podcast, The Rush With Maxx Crosby, he described Kubiak as a proven teacher-someone who emphasizes detail, discipline, and development. In other words, someone who speaks Crosby’s language.
“Great coaches teach fundamentals,” Crosby said. “Playing smart football, knowing exactly where to be, technique, your feet, your hands, your eyes, dominating the little things.
That’s how you translate to production. It’s not doing all this Superman plays all the time.
It doesn’t work like that.”
That kind of talk resonates in a locker room that’s seen its share of noise and turnover. And it’s clear Crosby isn’t just listening-he’s already leaning in.
Coffee, Conversations, and a Culture Shift
Before Kubiak even took the podium, he’d already had his first face-to-face with Crosby. The two shared a morning coffee at the Raiders’ facility in Henderson, where Kubiak found Crosby already grinding in the weight room. That first impression stuck with the new head coach.
“I got to drink a cup of coffee with Maxx this morning,” Kubiak said. “Loved talking ball with him and look forward to continuing those conversations. He was the first one in here this morning working out, so that fired me up.”
That’s not just a throwaway anecdote-it’s a snapshot of what Kubiak wants to build. A team that works, that leads by example, and that values what the film says over what the headlines read. In his words, it’s about the “silent tape”-the kind of accountability that doesn’t need to be spoken because it’s already written in the way you play.
It’s no surprise that Crosby, who’s made a career out of relentless effort and technical excellence, is on board with that vision.
The “Max Out” Mentality
Kubiak’s coaching résumé includes time with a range of quarterbacks and offenses, but what caught Crosby’s attention was his ability to develop talent. On the podcast, Crosby pointed to Kubiak’s work with Sam Darnold as an example of how he puts players in position to succeed-not by asking them to be someone they’re not, but by helping them become the best version of who they already are.
That idea-maxing out your potential-resonates deeply with Crosby. It’s a phrase he kept coming back to, and one that feels like a natural extension of his own personal brand.
Kubiak, he said, is a coach who helps players “max out,” and that’s not just a compliment-it’s an endorsement of philosophy.
No Illusions, Just Intent
Crosby also kept it real. On the podcast, he acknowledged that he hadn’t spoken with Kubiak at the time of recording, a reminder that relationships take time to build. But by the time Kubiak addressed the media, that connection had already started taking shape.
And when it comes to the future of No. 98 in silver and black, Kubiak didn’t hesitate.
“We want him to be a part of our success going forward,” he said. “There’s no doubt about that. He is one of the best players in the NFL, so that’s a no-brainer to get to work with Maxx and to see him continue to have success with this organization.”
It’s a clear message from the new regime: Crosby isn’t just a part of the team-he’s a pillar of what they’re trying to build.
A New Era, Rooted in Standards
There’s no quick fix here. Kubiak didn’t promise one, and Crosby isn’t expecting one. But what’s emerging is a shared vision-one built on fundamentals, development, and a relentless commitment to the details that win games.
The Raiders have seen plenty of change in recent years, but if Kubiak can bring stability to the offense, it could fundamentally alter the way Crosby and the defense operate. More leads.
More chances to close out games. More opportunities for No. 98 to do what he does best: hunt quarterbacks and set the tone.
For now, both Crosby and Kubiak are speaking the same language. And in a league full of talk, the Raiders’ new era is starting with something a little different-something a little quieter.
It’s not about what they say. It’s about what the tape shows.
And if that tape features Maxx Crosby doing Maxx Crosby things, the Raiders just might be onto something.