The Raiders are on the clock with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, but right now, the bigger storyline in Las Vegas is who’s going to be calling the shots from the sideline next season.
According to multiple league sources, the Raiders recently made a hard push to land Jesse Minter, the former Chargers defensive coordinator. That pursuit came late last week, but it didn’t materialize into a hire - and the buzz around Minter may have been more about his camp generating momentum than Vegas zeroing in on him.
For weeks, the expectation around the league has been that the Raiders are leaning toward a younger, offensive-minded head coach. And while Minter doesn’t fit that mold, the team’s current list of candidates suggests that original vision hasn’t changed all that much.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported over the weekend that the Raiders have two - possibly three - candidates whose teams are still alive in the playoffs. Among them is Broncos offensive passing game coordinator Davis Webb, who’s emerged as a serious contender. While Webb hasn’t held a coordinator title yet, his experience as a former NFL quarterback and his leadership traits are reportedly catching the Raiders’ attention.
Also in the mix: Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. All three have already completed virtual interviews with the Raiders, and there’s interest from both sides.
Kubiak, in particular, seems to be gaining traction. He was a finalist for the Falcons’ head coaching job before they pivoted to former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, and he checks a lot of the boxes Vegas appears to be prioritizing - youth, offensive pedigree, and a sharp football mind.
Webb, for his part, is an intriguing candidate. Though he's still early in his coaching career, his background as a quarterback and the respect he commands in the locker room have made him a name to watch. If the Raiders are looking to find the next young offensive mind to grow with their roster, Webb fits the bill - even if he’s a bit of a wildcard.
The decision-making power in Vegas has shifted slightly this time around. While Tom Brady is still expected to have the final say on the hire, general manager John Spytek is reportedly playing a larger role in the process than he did a year ago.
That’s notable, especially in the wake of how things unfolded with Pete Carroll last season. There’s a clear desire from the top in Las Vegas to find a head coach who aligns with the shared vision of Brady and Spytek - someone who’s collaborative, forward-thinking, and open to input from the team’s leadership.
Last offseason, Brady made the call to bring in Chip Kelly on a three-year, $18 million deal. Kelly was known for embracing collaboration, and it’s possible the Raiders are once again targeting a coach who’s comfortable with that kind of dynamic. Whoever gets the job will need to be more than just a play-caller - they’ll need to be a partner in building the franchise’s future.
The timeline is still a bit fluid. If the Broncos or Seahawks advance to the Super Bowl, the Raiders may have to wait another two weeks before they can finalize their hire. But with interviews already in the books and names like Kubiak and Webb drawing serious consideration, the picture is starting to come into focus.
The Raiders know what they want. Now it’s just a matter of timing - and making the right call.