The Las Vegas Raiders are entering a pivotal stretch in their head coaching search, and with Conference Championship weekend now in the rearview mirror, the picture is finally starting to clarify. The front office can now circle back with a few key candidates for second interviews - and potentially make a hire this week. After watching how some of these coaches performed on the biggest stage left before the Super Bowl, the Raiders’ decision-makers have a clearer lens through which to evaluate their options.
With Mike McDaniel officially off the board and headed to the Chargers, Las Vegas’ shortlist is beginning to take shape. Here's a fresh look at how the top candidates stack up now that the dust has settled from Championship Sunday.
1. Klint Kubiak - Seahawks Offensive Coordinator
Kubiak’s stock is soaring - and for good reason. Seattle’s offense, already riding high, showed off its adaptability and creativity in a gutsy playoff performance.
Last week, the ground game did the heavy lifting. This week, without Zach Charbonnet, Kubiak pivoted, dialing up a pass-heavy game plan that opened up the field for Sam Darnold to shine.
The Seahawks offense looked dynamic, balanced, and unpredictable - hallmarks of a coach who knows how to adjust on the fly. When Tom Brady is publicly praising your scheme, people take notice.
Kubiak is trending up - and fast.
2. Davis Webb - Broncos QB Coach/Pass Game Coordinator
Webb didn’t have the same stage to showcase his chops, as Denver’s offense sputtered in brutal weather conditions during the AFC title game. Still, it’s hard to pin that entirely on him - backup quarterback, blizzard conditions, elite defense on the other side.
The drop here is more about Kubiak’s rise than Webb’s fall. He’s still seen as an innovative mind with a strong grasp of quarterback development and offensive structure.
Webb remains firmly in the mix.
3. Mike LaFleur - Rams Offensive Coordinator
LaFleur continues to make a strong case. The Rams put up 27 points against a top-tier Seahawks defense, and while Sean McVay is the primary play-caller, LaFleur’s fingerprints are all over that offense.
The way they’ve rejuvenated Matthew Stafford’s career at age 38 is no accident. The Rams’ offensive designs are some of the most creative in the league, and LaFleur plays a big role in that machine.
He’s not just riding McVay’s coattails - he’s helping steer the ship.
4. Nate Scheelhaase - Rams Passing Game Coordinator
Scheelhaase is one of the youngest names on this list, but he’s already drawing serious attention - reportedly a frontrunner for the Browns job. And when you watch the Rams’ passing attack carve up Seattle for 374 yards and three touchdowns, it’s easy to see why.
Working under McVay, Scheelhaase has clearly absorbed a lot, and his role in developing the aerial side of the Rams’ offense can’t be overstated. He’s a fast riser and someone to keep an eye on.
5. Joe Brady - Bills Offensive Coordinator
Brady might not be the hot name he was a year ago, but the résumé still speaks volumes. He helped orchestrate one of the most explosive offenses in college football history at LSU, and he’s played a key role in Josh Allen’s evolution into an MVP-caliber quarterback.
The Bills’ offense wasn’t perfect this year, but Brady still brings a sharp offensive mind and a track record of success. If the Raiders want a steady hand with upside, Brady could be the guy.
6. Ejiro Evero - Panthers Defensive Coordinator
Evero moves up a spot here, thanks in part to the struggles of some of his peers. The Panthers' defense showed real improvement this season, even amidst a chaotic year in Carolina.
Players respect him, and his scheme has shown it can adapt and compete. His time in Denver was marred by a dysfunctional situation, but Evero’s trajectory is still pointing upward.
He’s a defensive-minded coach, which may not be what the Raiders are prioritizing, but he brings leadership and credibility.
7. Chris Shula - Rams Defensive Coordinator
Shula took a hit this weekend. The Rams’ defense got picked apart by Seattle in the NFC Championship, and that performance raised some questions.
Shula has been passed over for other jobs, and while he’s still young and has potential, it might be a year too early for him to take the big chair. Another season as a coordinator could help him round out his résumé.
If Las Vegas wants to go with a young defensive mind, he’s still an option - just not the top one.
8. Brian Daboll - Former Giants Head Coach
Daboll entered the process late, and unless the Raiders are making a dramatic pivot, it’s hard to see him vaulting to the top of the list. His offensive acumen, especially with young quarterbacks, is well documented.
But questions about his leadership style linger after a rocky tenure in New York. If the Raiders were to bring him in, it might make more sense in a coordinator role rather than as the face of the franchise.
As a head coach candidate, he’s a long shot.
9. Vance Joseph - Broncos Defensive Coordinator
Joseph’s defense played lights out in the AFC title game - but let’s be real, that game was played in conditions that made offensive football nearly impossible. Joseph is a respected defensive coach, but at this stage, it’s hard to see the Raiders going with an older, defense-first leader.
That said, there’s one wrinkle: if Joseph were to bring Davis Webb with him as offensive coordinator, that could change the conversation. Still, it feels like a stretch.
10. Matt Nagy - Former Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
Nagy rounds out the list, and not in a good way. The Chiefs chose not to retain him, and even with connections around the league - including longtime ally Mike Borgonzi - he didn’t land the Titans job.
The Raiders haven’t shown much interest in bringing him back for another interview, and there’s little indication that he’s in serious contention. At this point, it would be surprising to see him land even a coordinator role, let alone a head coaching gig.
Bottom Line:
The Raiders are inching closer to a decision, and the performances we saw over the weekend have reshaped the pecking order.
Klint Kubiak is surging at the right time, while others like Davis Webb and Mike LaFleur remain strong contenders. The franchise has a real opportunity to reset its identity - and the next head coach will be tasked with leading that transformation.
The clock is ticking in Vegas, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.