The Raiders are officially rolling the dice on a bold new era. On February 9, 2026, Las Vegas named Klint Kubiak their next head coach, handing the 38-year-old offensive architect a five-year deal to reshape a franchise in desperate need of direction.
Kubiak arrives with championship hardware fresh off a Super Bowl LX win with the Seattle Seahawks, where his offense dismantled the Patriots 29-13. Now, he inherits a 3-14 roster and the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft - a blank canvas with plenty of potential and pressure.
Kubiak’s résumé speaks for itself. In Seattle, he didn’t just win - he elevated.
Under his guidance, Sam Darnold evolved from journeyman to postseason standout. Kenneth Walker III powered the ground game all the way to a Super Bowl MVP.
And Jaxon Smith-Njigba? He blossomed into the league’s Offensive Player of the Year.
Kubiak’s system didn’t just work - it thrived, blending efficiency, explosiveness, and adaptability. That’s the blueprint he’s bringing to Vegas.
A Clear Vision for the Silver and Black
Kubiak plans to call plays himself, and that’s no small detail. His offensive philosophy is rooted in play-action, RPOs, and a balanced attack - hallmarks of the Shanahan-McVay coaching tree that’s shaped much of today’s NFL offensive innovation.
He’s not coming in to blow things up just for the sake of change. The goal is to build around the talent already in place while injecting a modern, dynamic identity.
That starts with tight end Brock Bowers, who figures to be a centerpiece of the passing game. Bowers has the tools to become a matchup nightmare, and in Kubiak’s system - which emphasizes tight end involvement in the intermediate game - he could be in for a major leap.
Then there’s rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. A breakout candidate in the making, Jeanty fits perfectly into an outside zone scheme that rewards vision, burst, and versatility. If Kubiak’s past success with backs like Walker is any indication, Jeanty could be poised for a big-time role right out of the gate.
Defensively, Maxx Crosby remains the anchor - and Kubiak knows it. While his background is on the offensive side of the ball, retaining and building around Crosby ensures the defensive front stays formidable while the offense catches up.
And of course, there’s the quarterback question. With the No. 1 overall pick in hand, all signs point to Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza as the likely choice. Kubiak has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks, and Mendoza could be the foundational piece that gives this rebuild real staying power.
Fantasy Football Implications: A New Offense Worth Watching
Whenever a coordinator with a Super Bowl ring takes over a new team, fantasy football players take notice. And with good reason.
Ashton Jeanty could emerge as a legitimate RB1 candidate in this offense. Kubiak’s system traditionally leans on backs who can do it all - run inside, bounce outside, catch passes, and block. Jeanty checks those boxes, and if the Raiders commit to the run game early, he could be one of the league’s biggest fantasy risers.
Brock Bowers holds steady TE3 value for now, but don’t be surprised if he climbs the ladder. Kubiak’s offenses have historically leaned on tight ends in the red zone and over the middle, which bodes well for Bowers' target share and scoring opportunities.
And while it’s too early to project exact numbers for the wideouts, the addition of a top-tier rookie quarterback could stabilize the passing game and open up opportunities across the board. If Kubiak can replicate even a portion of what he did in Seattle, this offense could quickly become a sneaky source of fantasy gold.
Building a Foundation, Not Just a Flash
The challenge in Las Vegas isn’t just about X’s and O’s - it’s about culture, consistency, and long-term vision. That’s where Kubiak and new GM John Spytek come in. With significant salary cap space and a top draft pick, the Raiders have the flexibility to reshape their roster quickly - but smartly.
Kubiak’s history of developing quarterbacks and maximizing skill talent makes him a strong fit for a team that’s lacked offensive identity in recent years. The early steps - assembling a staff, installing a system, setting a tone - will be crucial. But the foundation is there for something real.
This isn’t just a coaching hire. It’s a franchise reset. And if Kubiak’s recent past is any indication, the Raiders might finally be building something that lasts.