The Raiders are poised to make a franchise-defining move with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that this isn’t just about landing a potential franchise quarterback - it’s about reshaping the entire identity of the organization. All signs point to Las Vegas selecting Fernando Mendoza, and his arrival is already creating ripple effects beyond the field.
According to reports, the Raiders are expected to finalize a deal with Klint Kubiak to become their next head coach - but there’s a key connection here: Kubiak’s interest in the job appears directly tied to the opportunity to coach Mendoza.
“This doesn’t end with the quarterback,” one insider said. “But it definitely starts with the quarterback.”
And that makes sense. When you’re trying to lure a top-tier coaching candidate, having a cornerstone quarterback in place - or the chance to draft one - is a game-changer.
The Raiders weren’t in that position last offseason, and it showed. They pursued candidates like Ben Johnson, but without a clear answer at quarterback, the appeal just wasn’t there.
Johnson, for instance, reportedly chose the Bears in large part because he saw a better situation with Caleb Williams already in place.
That’s the harsh reality of today’s NFL: coaches want to win, and winning starts under center. If you don’t have the guy, it’s tough to convince a coach - especially a rising offensive mind like Kubiak - to hitch their future to your franchise.
This time around, though, the Raiders hold the top pick. And with Mendoza expected to be the selection, it’s opened doors that were closed a year ago. Kubiak, who’s currently with the 49ers and will wait until after the Super Bowl to finalize anything, looks ready to make the leap - but only because Mendoza is part of the package.
The quarterback-head coach connection is vital, especially when you’re building from the ground up. Kubiak has built a strong reputation as a play-caller and offensive architect, and pairing him with a talent like Mendoza gives the Raiders a real foundation to build on. It’s not just about drafting a quarterback - it’s about putting him in a position to succeed from Day 1, and that starts with coaching.
Looking back at last year’s coaching carousel, the Raiders were in the mix for Johnson, but that pursuit was more smoke than fire. Johnson’s camp, led by agent Rick Smith, later admitted they never seriously considered Las Vegas. In fact, the buzz around Johnson’s interest in the Raiders was used as strategic leverage to drive up his value with the Bears.
Smith was candid about it in a recent podcast appearance, saying his initial reaction to the Raiders was “no go,” and that while Tom Brady’s involvement in the ownership group was intriguing, it wasn’t enough to sway the decision. Instead, the narrative of Johnson-to-Vegas was allowed to float - not because it was real, but because it helped their negotiation elsewhere.
“Sometimes things go viral and you want to shut it down,” Smith said. “Other times, you let it ride.
That one? We liked that one.
Let it ride.”
So here we are. A year later, the Raiders are in a very different position.
They’ve got the top pick. They’ve got a quarterback in their sights.
And now, they’re about to land a head coach who believes in that vision.
It’s not just a draft pick. It’s a reset button - and if they get it right, it could mark the beginning of a new era in Las Vegas.