If Klint Kubiak is officially named the next head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, the clock will start ticking fast - and the first order of business will be building out his coaching staff. That means filling two of the most critical roles on any NFL team: offensive and defensive coordinator.
On the offensive side, don’t be surprised if Kubiak keeps the headset on and calls the plays himself. That’s not just speculation - it’s a move that’s worked well for him before.
Most recently in Seattle, Kubiak helped engineer a turnaround for Sam Darnold and turned the Seahawks' offense into one of the most productive units in the league, capping it off with a Super Bowl LX appearance. That kind of résumé buys you the freedom to take the reins again, especially when you’ve proven you can elevate a quarterback and scheme to fit your personnel.
Kubiak may also look to bring some familiar names with him to Las Vegas. Offensive line coach John Benton and quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko followed him from New Orleans to Seattle - and given their history and chemistry, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them join him again if he takes the Raiders job. Continuity matters, especially for a first-time head coach trying to establish a culture and offensive identity from Day 1.
But while the offensive side might be more of a known quantity, the defensive coordinator hire will be a pivotal decision - and one that could shape the Raiders’ identity on that side of the ball. Three names are already surfacing as strong candidates: Jim Schwartz, Karl Scott, and Aden Durde.
Jim Schwartz: The Proven Veteran
If Schwartz becomes available, he’d likely be at the top of Kubiak’s wish list. There’s already buzz around the league that Kubiak could make a serious push for him. And for good reason.
Schwartz is one of the most respected defensive minds in the NFL. His track record speaks for itself - most recently coaching Myles Garrett to a league-leading sack total and orchestrating a defense that consistently disrupted opposing offenses. Bringing Schwartz to Vegas would be a significant step up from former defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who’s now with the Steelers.
For a player like Maxx Crosby, Schwartz’s arrival could be a game-changer. Schwartz has a knack for maximizing elite pass-rushing talent, and pairing him with Crosby could unlock another level for the Raiders’ defensive front. More than anything, Schwartz would bring immediate credibility, structure, and a clear defensive identity - something the Raiders have lacked in recent years.
Karl Scott: The Rising Star
Scott presents a different kind of appeal - younger, but with a growing reputation as a sharp defensive mind. He and Kubiak have history, having worked together in Minnesota in 2021, and they’re currently reunited in Seattle, where Scott is serving as the defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach.
Scott’s impact in Seattle has been noticeable. After the Seahawks finished near the bottom of the league in pass defense, he helped lead a dramatic turnaround.
In 2022, the unit jumped to 10th in the league defensively, and they’ve stayed competitive since. His work with the secondary has been especially impressive, showing an ability to develop young talent and tighten coverage schemes.
Given his familiarity with Kubiak and his upward trajectory, Scott would be a logical fit - especially for a coach looking to build a staff that blends experience with fresh ideas.
Aden Durde: The Strategic Bet
Then there’s Aden Durde, another name tied to Kubiak through their time in Seattle. Durde currently holds the defensive coordinator title under head coach Mike Macdonald, but Macdonald calls the plays - meaning Durde hasn’t yet had full control of a defense.
That could change in Las Vegas. For Kubiak, handing Durde the keys would be a bold but calculated move.
It would give Durde the chance to implement his own system, build his own staff, and shape the defense in his own image. And while he’s still relatively new to the coordinator spotlight, Durde has earned respect around the league for his attention to detail and leadership qualities.
For a first-time head coach like Kubiak, surrounding himself with trusted, capable voices on the defensive side is going to be crucial. Durde fits that mold - someone who knows the system, understands the culture Kubiak wants to build, and is ready for a bigger role.
Whoever ends up joining Kubiak in Vegas - whether it’s a proven veteran like Schwartz or an emerging voice like Scott or Durde - the decisions made in the coming weeks will help define the early chapters of his tenure. The Raiders have talent, especially on defense, but they need the right minds to unlock it. And if Kubiak’s past is any indication, he’s not afraid to trust those he believes in - and build something cohesive from the ground up.