The Las Vegas Raiders have taken a measured, methodical approach to this year’s coaching carousel - a sharp contrast to the flurry of early hires around the league. While other franchises rushed to fill vacancies, the Raiders, under the leadership of John Spytek and Tom Brady, have played the long game. But now, with options narrowing and timelines tightening, the pressure is officially on.
For a while, it looked like Las Vegas was in a prime spot. With most teams already locking in their new head coaches, the Raiders found themselves as one of just two franchises still searching. That gave them leverage - at least on paper - to zero in on candidates like Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Denver Broncos assistant Davis Webb.
But the coaching market moves fast, and the landscape just shifted in a big way.
Davis Webb Bows Out
The Raiders’ shortlist just got shorter. Davis Webb, once a compelling candidate for the job, has officially withdrawn from consideration. According to reports from both ESPN and NFL Network, Webb is focusing on opportunities to become an offensive coordinator - potentially in Denver - and has fielded multiple requests for similar roles elsewhere.
For fans in Raider Nation who saw Webb as a rising star with head coaching potential, this is a tough pill to swallow. He was never the odds-on favorite, but his name had gained traction in recent weeks. Still, it’s a logical move for a young coach who might benefit from taking the next step up - not the leap - in his career trajectory.
All Eyes on Klint Kubiak
With Webb out, the Raiders’ focus now narrows to Klint Kubiak - and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Kubiak, who helped guide the Seahawks’ offense through a strong postseason push, is scheduled to interview with Las Vegas on Saturday. But due to NFL rules, the Raiders can’t officially hire him until after the Super Bowl. That means more waiting - and more uncertainty.
The concern? Seattle isn’t ready to let him go without a fight.
Reports suggest the Seahawks are making a strong push to keep Kubiak in-house, and the Arizona Cardinals have also emerged as a potential suitor for his services. That leaves the Raiders in a precarious position: if Kubiak chooses to stay in Seattle or heads to Arizona, Las Vegas could find itself scrambling.
Backup Plans Are There - But Not Ideal
There are still quality coaches available, including Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, Illinois passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, and Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. But let’s be honest - if the Raiders viewed any of them as top-tier options, they’d likely already be under contract.
This isn’t just about hiring a coach; it’s about finding the right leader to guide a franchise trying to build long-term stability. And that’s what makes this moment so critical.
The Raiders have exercised patience, and to their credit, that approach made sense when both Webb and Kubiak were still in play. But now, with Webb out and Kubiak’s future far from guaranteed, Las Vegas is walking a tightrope.
Kubiak or Bust?
If the Raiders land Kubiak, the wait will have been worth it. He’s a respected offensive mind with a strong football pedigree, and his recent work in Seattle has only elevated his stock. But if they miss - and especially if Kubiak chooses another opportunity - the front office will be forced to pivot quickly, and possibly settle for a candidate who wasn’t part of the original plan.
That’s not ideal in a league where coaching stability is everything.
So here we are. The Raiders’ calculated approach has brought them to a pivotal crossroads.
If they can close the deal with Kubiak, they’ll be seen as deliberate and disciplined - a front office that waited for the right guy. But if they come up empty-handed again, the narrative shifts.
Suddenly, patience starts to look a lot more like indecision.
And in the NFL, that’s a dangerous place to be.