The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the last teams standing without a head coach as the NFL’s hiring cycle winds down. But that doesn’t mean they’re directionless. In fact, all signs point toward a clear target - and Raider Nation might not have to wait much longer to see how this unfolds.
Klint Kubiak: The Raiders’ Focused Candidate
Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is expected to get a second interview with the Raiders on Saturday, a strong signal that he's more than just another name in the coaching carousel. Second interviews aren’t about X’s and O’s anymore - those boxes were checked in round one.
This is about vision. It’s about how a potential head coach plans to build an organization from the inside out: staffing, structure, quarterback development, game-day management, and accountability - the kinds of things that have tripped the Raiders up time and again.
Tom Brady, who had a front-row seat in the broadcast booth during Seattle’s playoff run, got a good look at Kubiak’s offense. Now it’s the Raiders’ turn to take a closer look in person. But even if the interview goes well, there’s a procedural hurdle: Kubiak can’t be officially hired until after Super Bowl LX, since the Seahawks are still in the postseason hunt.
That delay puts the Raiders in a bit of a holding pattern. Other teams are moving quickly, filling vacancies, and shrinking the pool of available candidates. Las Vegas is betting that Kubiak is worth the wait - and if he is, they’ll need to be ready to move swiftly and decisively after the Super Bowl.
Why Kubiak Makes Sense for Vegas - But Comes With Caveats
There’s a lot to like about Kubiak’s résumé. Seattle’s offense found a rhythm under his guidance, blending balance with creativity. He’s earned praise for his sequencing - essentially, the way he strings plays together to keep quarterbacks in rhythm and defenses on their heels.
That matters a lot if the Raiders are indeed eyeing Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. A young QB stepping into the NFL needs structure.
He needs a run game that stays on schedule, pass concepts that give him answers, and a system that doesn’t hit the reset button every year. Kubiak’s style checks those boxes.
But let’s not pretend the playbook alone will fix everything. The Raiders’ offensive line was ranked dead last in the league by Pro Football Focus.
That’s not just a red flag - it’s a warning siren. You can scheme around pressure to a point, but eventually, protection has to hold.
Otherwise, you’re not developing a quarterback - you’re putting him in survival mode.
If Kubiak is the guy, the Raiders need to go all-in. That means investing in the offensive line, building out a capable and experienced staff, and establishing a team identity that doesn’t crumble when injuries or adversity hit. Kubiak can bring a fresh approach, but he’ll need support - and a lot of it.
Staffing and Leadership: The Real Test of a First-Time Head Coach
This isn’t just about whether Kubiak can call plays - he’s already proven he can. The bigger question is whether he can build and lead a full NFL operation.
That means having the right people in place, particularly on defense. It means creating clear lines of authority.
It means developing a weekly process that doesn’t fall apart the moment things get tough - something the Raiders have struggled with repeatedly.
That’s the leap from coordinator to head coach. It’s not about being the smartest guy in the room - it’s about building a room that works.
Other Names in the Mix: Davis Webb and Ejiro Evero
Davis Webb is still part of the conversation, too. The appeal?
He’s known for his work with quarterbacks and his ability to connect with players - traits that could be valuable if the Raiders are serious about developing Mendoza. But Webb hasn’t run an offense over a full NFL season, let alone built an entire program.
That doesn’t rule him out, but it does mean he’d need strong coordinators and a clearly defined structure to succeed.
There’s also Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who would represent a different kind of hire altogether. Going with Evero would signal a leadership-first, defense-driven approach, with the offense delegated to a trusted coordinator. That model can work - we’ve seen it - but it puts a premium on getting the offensive staff right and protecting the quarterback from constant change.
The Bottom Line: The Raiders Need More Than a Coach - They Need a System
No matter who ends up with the job, the Raiders don’t need a flashy name or a headline-grabbing scheme. They need a system that’s built to last. One that can weather the inevitable bumps in the road and give a young quarterback the best chance to grow.
That’s what Saturday’s interview with Kubiak is really about. Not just what plays he’d call on third-and-eight, but how he plans to build something sustainable in Las Vegas. Because the Raiders don’t just need a coach - they need a foundation.