The Raiders’ head coaching search is heating up - and if you're looking for clarity, you might want to sit tight. As of Friday evening, there’s still no clear favorite to land the job in Las Vegas, but a few names are starting to separate themselves from the pack.
Right now, it’s a two-man race that seems to be gaining traction: Klint Kubiak and Davis Webb. Kubiak’s name has been circulating for a while, but Webb is the one who’s been generating more buzz in recent days - and not just from fans. Team insiders and beat reporters are starting to take Webb’s candidacy seriously, suggesting he made a strong impression during his interview with the Raiders.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Raiders are leaning toward hiring an offensive-minded head coach - a move that aligns with the direction many teams are heading in today’s NFL. Schefter, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, dropped a telling quote that seemed to highlight Webb’s fit in Vegas.
“In a perfect world, you’d like a young, bright offensive mind to shepherd along Fernando Mendoza and grow with him as your quarterback,” Schefter said. “Davis Webb would fit in Vegas, but Davis Webb might be the play in Buffalo.”
That’s a notable endorsement. Webb, a former quarterback himself, is seen as a rising star in coaching circles, and the idea of pairing him with a young signal-caller like Mendoza makes sense. The league is trending toward offensive innovation, and the Raiders appear to be following suit.
But if you’re sensing some mixed signals from around the league, you’re not alone.
Earlier this week, insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Raiders - with Tom Brady now part of the ownership group - were targeting young offensive coaches. That narrative has been consistent for a few weeks, and Kubiak’s name has been front and center. Schultz specifically mentioned Kubiak and Webb as the two candidates drawing the most attention, with Jesse Minter, a defensive coach, also in the mix.
“The Raiders are believed to be focusing on an offensive-minded coach to pair with the likely No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, alongside weapons like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty,” Schultz said. “I’ve heard a lot of Klint Kubiak and Davis Webb mentioned here.”
Schultz also highlighted an interesting wrinkle: Tom Brady has been calling Seahawks games this postseason - a team where Kubiak has been orchestrating an offense that’s drawn praise for its explosiveness, balance, and creativity. That firsthand exposure could be playing a role in Brady’s evaluation process.
But then Friday brought a twist.
Schultz reported that the Raiders made a strong push for Jesse Minter, who ultimately landed with the Ravens. Initially, Schultz said the team had “heavy interest” in Minter and were “in on him until the end.” Later, he doubled down, saying the Raiders made a “very strong push” over a 24-hour period, which may have prompted the Ravens to act quickly.
So what does that tell us? At the very least, it suggests Las Vegas was keeping its options open - even if the broader plan still seems to revolve around hiring an offensive coach. Whether the Minter pursuit was a backup plan or an earnest pivot remains unclear, but the fact that they went after him hard shows they’re not locked into one archetype.
Meanwhile, a few intriguing side notes have surfaced.
The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen floated the idea that Mike McDaniel - yes, that Mike McDaniel - would take the offensive coordinator job in Vegas if it were offered. That’s a bold statement, especially considering McDaniel is also rumored to be in play for the Chargers’ OC job if he doesn’t land a head coaching gig. If there’s any truth to that, it’s a sign that the Raiders’ offensive vision is resonating around the league.
And then there’s the mysterious figure known as “AFL Godfather” on X (formerly Twitter), who some believe has ties inside the Raiders' building. According to Raider Nation Radio host Q Myers, the Godfather may have legitimate insider knowledge. On Friday, he endorsed two candidates for the job - though he didn’t name them publicly.
Bottom line: the Raiders’ coaching search is still in motion, but the direction is becoming clearer. The organization seems intent on finding a young, offensive-minded leader who can grow alongside Fernando Mendoza and maximize the team’s young talent. Whether that’s Klint Kubiak, Davis Webb, or someone else entirely remains to be seen - but the pieces are starting to fall into place.
Stay tuned. This one’s far from over.