The Las Vegas Raiders are no strangers to turbulence. Over the past two decades, the franchise has cycled through disappointment like clockwork-two playoff appearances, zero postseason wins, and a carousel of coaching changes that’s left the Silver and Black stuck in neutral. A lack of consistent quarterback play and questionable roster decisions have certainly played their part, but the revolving door at head coach has arguably been the biggest anchor dragging this team down.
Now, with reports indicating that Klint Kubiak-Seattle’s offensive coordinator-is set to become the Raiders’ sixth head coach in as many years, the franchise is hoping to finally break the cycle. But before turning the page, the Raiders had to take one more hit, courtesy of ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, who ranked all 37 head coaching hires across the NFL since the start of the 2021 season. Spoiler alert: Las Vegas didn’t fare well.
Raiders' Recent Coaching Hires Land Near the Bottom
Let’s start with Antonio Pierce, who recently had the interim tag removed after taking over midway through the season. Barnwell slotted him in at No. 30 out of 37-a rough spot, but not entirely shocking.
Pierce brought energy and a clear connection with the locker room, but according to Barnwell, his game management lagged behind what today’s NFL demands. And with defensive coordinator Patrick Graham handling most of the X’s and O’s on that side of the ball, Pierce’s overall impact was seen as limited.
Then there’s Pete Carroll. Yes, that Pete Carroll.
The longtime Seahawks coach made a surprise return to the sidelines in Las Vegas, but it was a brief and forgettable stint. Barnwell ranked Carroll at No. 31, just behind Pierce, noting that despite an opening-week win over the eventual AFC champion Patriots, Carroll’s Raiders spiraled quickly.
The defense never found its footing, and internal turmoil led to the midseason firings of both special teams coordinator Tom McMahon and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. For a coach with Carroll’s résumé, the results were jarring.
The lone silver lining? His dismal year helped the Raiders secure the No. 1 overall pick.
And then there’s Josh McDaniels, who came in with playoff expectations and left with a franchise in disarray. Ranked No.
32, McDaniels’ tenure was marred by questionable decisions-none bigger than cutting longtime quarterback Derek Carr without a viable backup plan. The team’s chemistry eroded, and the Raiders suffered several head-scratching losses, including a stunning defeat to Baker Mayfield and the Rams just days after Mayfield joined the team.
McDaniels didn’t make it through his second season, echoing the abrupt end to his time in Denver. Few coaches in recent memory have been dismissed midseason from two separate head coaching gigs before completing Year 2.
A New Chapter with Klint Kubiak
After years of false starts and failed experiments, the Raiders are betting big on Klint Kubiak to bring stability and innovation to the franchise. While nothing is official yet, the expectation is that Kubiak will soon sign on to lead the team into a new era.
At 36, he brings a fresh perspective, a strong coaching pedigree, and experience working with some of the league’s top offensive minds. His time in San Francisco and Seattle has earned him a reputation as a creative play-caller with a sharp football IQ.
For Raider Nation, the hope is that Kubiak can finally provide something this team has lacked for years: a clear identity. The pieces aren’t all in place yet, but the foundation could be laid with the right leadership. And after being reminded-again-just how rough the recent past has been, any sign of progress will feel like a breath of fresh air.
The Raiders have been through the wringer. But if Kubiak can bring even a fraction of the offensive consistency he helped craft in Seattle and San Francisco, Las Vegas might finally be ready to turn the corner. The road back to relevance is long, but with the right coach at the helm, it’s a journey worth starting.