The Seattle Seahawks are heading to the Super Bowl, and while their defense has been the backbone of their success all season, it was the offense that stole the show in the NFC Championship. In a 31-27 win over the Los Angeles Rams, Sam Darnold and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak delivered when it mattered most, carving up a tough Rams defense with poise and precision.
Now, as Seattle prepares for the biggest game of the year, there's a looming question that could shape their future beyond the Super Bowl: Will Klint Kubiak be back next season?
Kubiak has quickly established himself as one of the top offensive minds in the league. His work this year with Darnold-who many had written off-and a Seahawks offense that found its rhythm late in the season has turned heads across the NFL. That success is now translating into serious head coaching interest, and according to reports, the Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as the frontrunners to land him.
Per a report from Connor Hughes, the Raiders are currently eyeing Kubiak as their top choice, with only three head coaching vacancies still open across the league. That puts Seattle in a precarious spot. If Las Vegas makes their move after the Super Bowl, the Seahawks could be looking at a significant shakeup on their coaching staff.
It’s not hard to see why Kubiak is in demand. His play-calling has been sharp, adaptable, and creative-qualities that helped the Seahawks offense peak at just the right time.
Against the Rams, his game plan blended balance and aggression, keeping L.A.’s defense guessing and giving Darnold clean looks throughout the game. That kind of performance doesn’t go unnoticed, especially by a team like the Raiders that’s searching for stability and offensive leadership.
Of course, nothing is set in stone. Other candidates remain in the mix for the Raiders job, including Davis Webb from the Denver Broncos.
If Webb ends up getting the nod, Seattle could breathe a sigh of relief and potentially retain Kubiak for at least another season. But the current signs point to a real possibility that this Super Bowl run could be Kubiak’s last act in Seattle.
The timing isn’t ideal, but that’s the nature of success in the NFL. When you win-especially when you win with style-other teams come calling. And with the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns also still in the market for head coaches (though reportedly focused on other names), the Raiders job may be the most realistic landing spot for Kubiak.
One small silver lining for the Seahawks? The Buffalo Bills recently hired Joe Brady as their head coach, taking one more potential suitor off the board. Still, the threat of losing Kubiak remains very real.
For now, the focus in Seattle stays on the Super Bowl. But once the confetti falls-win or lose-the next big storyline could be whether the architect of their offensive resurgence is headed to Las Vegas.