The Las Vegas Raiders are deep into their search for an offensive coordinator, and all signs are pointing toward Klint Kubiak as the frontrunner. The 36-year-old play-caller has become one of the hottest names in this year’s coaching cycle, and the Raiders are clearly making a serious push to bring him to Vegas.
Kubiak is expected to meet with both the Arizona Cardinals and the Raiders over the weekend, but Las Vegas appears to be putting the full-court press on. According to multiple reports, if the Raiders offer him the job, there’s a strong chance he takes it. But there’s a caveat - Kubiak holds the leverage in this situation, and he knows it.
He’s reportedly being courted not just as a coordinator, but as a potential head coach candidate in other situations. That kind of interest gives him the freedom to be selective - and to command a significant contract. If the Raiders want to land him, they’ll likely have to come with a serious offer, possibly in the range of what Ben Johnson received from the Bears last year: a five-year deal worth approximately $13 million annually.
That’s a big number for a coordinator, but it reflects the market for top-tier offensive minds. Kubiak’s stock has soared after a strong season in Seattle, and the Seahawks are reportedly doing everything they can to retain him. Word is, they’ve been aggressive in trying to bring him back for another year, which only adds to the pressure on Las Vegas to close the deal.
One factor that could influence Kubiak’s decision? The structure and leadership dynamic in Las Vegas - particularly the presence of minority owner Tom Brady.
Any candidate stepping into the Raiders’ building will have to be comfortable with Brady’s role, which, depending on who you ask, might go beyond ceremonial. There’s been talk that Brady has a voice in football decisions, and that’s something Kubiak will want clarity on before signing on the dotted line.
There’s also timing to consider. Even if the Raiders and Kubiak come to a verbal agreement, nothing can be finalized until after the Super Bowl.
That gives Kubiak some breathing room - and a chance to keep his options open until the dust settles. He can walk away from any handshake deal if something changes in the next couple of weeks.
If Kubiak passes on the job, the Raiders appear to have a backup plan in Davis Webb, who is reportedly next in line. But make no mistake - Kubiak is the prize here. After missing out on Ben Johnson last year, there’s added pressure on the Raiders' brass - and especially Brady - to land their top target this time around.
The next few days could be pivotal. With interviews scheduled and offers likely on the table soon, the Raiders are at a crossroads. If they want Kubiak, they’ll need to move decisively - and be ready to meet the price tag that comes with one of the most in-demand offensive coordinators in football.