The Las Vegas Raiders are at a crossroads - again. But this time, it feels different.
The franchise is deep into a coaching search that could shape its trajectory for years to come. That’s not hyperbole when you consider this will be their sixth head coach in as many seasons and the 15th since 2002.
The revolving door has been spinning for two decades, but now the stakes are higher than ever.
Why? Because the Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft - their first time leading off the draft since 2007.
And the overwhelming expectation is that they’ll use that pick on Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner. If that happens, it would mark the first time since JaMarcus Russell in 2007 that Las Vegas (then Oakland) has selected a quarterback in the first round.
That history alone adds weight to every decision the front office makes this offseason.
The belief around the league is that the Raiders want to pair Mendoza with a young, innovative offensive mind - someone who can not only develop a rookie quarterback but also build a sustainable offensive identity. And according to recent reports, the man at the top of their wishlist is Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Kubiak, just 38 years old, is one of the hottest names in this year’s coaching cycle. And it’s not hard to see why.
While many expected Seattle’s offense to be the team’s weak link, Kubiak’s unit flipped the script, finishing third in scoring and eighth in total yards. That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident - it’s the product of smart design, adaptability, and a deep understanding of how to maximize talent.
The Raiders, meanwhile, are coming off a season where their offense couldn’t have been much worse. Despite bringing in veteran quarterback Geno Smith, dynamic running back Ashton Jeanty, and former college head coach Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator, the results were disastrous.
The offense finished dead last in both scoring and total yards. Kelly was out after Week 12.
Smith led the league in interceptions and sacks taken - and that’s with him missing two games. Jeanty showed flashes of star potential, but he was often running into a wall behind an offensive line that struggled all season.
That’s where Kubiak could be a game-changer. Not only would he bring a fresh offensive philosophy, but he'd also have some intriguing pieces to work with.
First and foremost, Mendoza - a quarterback who’s drawn rave reviews for his poise, arm talent, and leadership. But the supporting cast is quietly promising too.
Tight end Brock Bowers is already a star. Jeanty, despite the rough circumstances, looks like a breakout candidate. Then there’s a group of young receivers - Tre Tucker, Michael Mayer, Jack Bech, and Dont’e Thornton Jr. - who could take major steps forward in a more functional offense.
And while the offensive line was a glaring weakness in 2025, help is on the way. Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson are expected back from injured reserve, and Caleb Rogers showed some upside in limited snaps.
More importantly, the Raiders are in a position to rebuild the trenches in a big way. They’re projected to have ten draft picks and over $100 million in cap space - plenty of ammo to reshape the offensive front and give Mendoza the protection he’ll need to succeed.
For the first time in a long time, Las Vegas is being talked about as a top-tier destination for coaching candidates. The combination of a potential franchise quarterback, a young offensive core, and massive roster-building flexibility makes this an attractive landing spot. If the Raiders can close the deal with Kubiak, they might finally have the foundation to build something real - not just for 2026, but for the future.
It’s a pivotal moment for a franchise that’s been searching for stability. And if they get this hire right, they just might find it.