The Las Vegas Raiders are deep into their head coaching search, and as of Thursday morning, four names have emerged as the most serious contenders. While no decision has been made just yet, the field is starting to take shape-and each candidate brings a unique blend of experience, upside, and intrigue to the table.
Let’s break down the four frontrunners in the mix and what each could mean for the future of the Silver and Black.
Mike McDaniel - 5% Chance
Don’t let the low odds fool you-Mike McDaniel is still technically in play, even if it’s a long shot. While he’s widely expected to land with the Chargers as their offensive coordinator, the fact that nothing has been made official leaves the door cracked open.
McDaniel met with the Raiders earlier this week, which at the very least signals mutual interest. Could he be holding out for a head coaching opportunity instead of jumping into another coordinator role?
Possibly. But with the Chargers move looming, the clock is ticking.
Still, stranger things have happened in this league.
Davis Webb - 25% Chance
Don’t sleep on Davis Webb. The 30-year-old Broncos passing game coordinator might not be a household name just yet, but he’s turning heads in league circles-and apparently inside the Raiders’ building, too.
Webb reportedly impressed during his interview with Las Vegas, with one insider describing the meeting as “phenomenal.” That’s not a word you toss around lightly in coaching searches. The Raiders were said to be “pleasantly surprised” by Webb’s poise and vision, and while a second interview hasn’t been confirmed, it wouldn’t be a shock if one materializes.
There’s also buzz around a potential staff pairing with Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator. That connection could add some offensive firepower to Webb’s candidacy, though Kingsbury’s track record remains a bit of a mixed bag. Still, if the Raiders are looking for a young, innovative mind with leadership upside, Webb is making a strong case.
Mike LaFleur - 30% Chance
Mike LaFleur has quietly been a dark horse in this race, but he’s gaining traction. The 38-year-old offensive coordinator has been with Sean McVay in Los Angeles since 2023, and before that, he spent time under Kyle Shanahan-two of the brightest minds in today’s NFL.
LaFleur hasn’t been publicly labeled the favorite, but there’s reportedly real interest from the Raiders’ brass. According to one league insider, the team “has an affinity” for LaFleur, and that kind of language suggests he’s more than just a courtesy interview.
He brings a modern offensive philosophy rooted in the Shanahan-McVay tree, and that’s a compelling angle for a Raiders team looking to maximize its young offensive talent. If the Raiders are leaning toward a coach who can scheme with the best of them and develop a quarterback, LaFleur checks a lot of boxes.
Klint Kubiak - 40% Chance
Right now, Klint Kubiak looks like the clubhouse leader.
The 36-year-old has built a strong reputation as one of the most respected offensive minds in this year’s coaching cycle. He’s got the résumé, the pedigree, and the recent results to back it up. Kubiak has helped orchestrate success for multiple quarterbacks in recent years, and his system could be tailor-made for getting the most out of young playmakers like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.
Kubiak doesn’t bring the flashiest personality to the table, but he’s known for his football IQ, steady leadership, and ability to build cohesive offensive units. If there’s a knock on him, it’s that he may not have dominated the interview room the way someone like Davis Webb reportedly did. But when it comes to proven coaching chops, Kubiak has a strong edge.
Had this conversation happened just a day earlier, Kubiak might’ve been sitting at 50% or higher. That’s how quickly things can shift in coaching searches-but make no mistake, he’s firmly in the mix.
Where Things Stand
With these four names rising to the top, the Raiders’ decision is shaping up to be less about finding a big name and more about finding the right fit. Whether they go with the experienced and steady hand in Kubiak, the up-and-coming tactician in LaFleur, the rising star in Webb, or take a wild swing with McDaniel, the next head coach will be tasked with steering a proud franchise back to relevance.
The interviews are happening. The evaluations are ongoing. And in Vegas, the stakes-like always-are high.