The Las Vegas Raiders are turning the page - and they’re doing it with a familiar name from a football family tree that runs deep. Klint Kubiak, currently the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, is set to become the Raiders’ next head coach following Super Bowl LX. He’ll call plays one last time for Seattle in their championship clash against the New England Patriots before taking the reins in Vegas.
Kubiak brings an offensive-first mindset, but make no mistake - his most important decision as head coach might not be about who’s calling plays on offense. It’s about who’s running the defense.
The Raiders need a defensive coordinator who can elevate a unit that’s struggled to find consistency in recent years. And with Kubiak’s connections across the league, there’s no shortage of intriguing candidates.
Let’s break down four potential names who could be in the mix to lead the Raiders’ defense in 2026.
Karl Scott: A Rising Star with Familiar Ties
Karl Scott has been quietly building a strong résumé over the past few years. He’s currently the Seahawks’ defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator, and he’s drawn interest from multiple teams this offseason for defensive coordinator roles. His connection to Kubiak dates back to their time together in Minnesota in 2021, when Scott worked with the Vikings’ secondary.
Scott’s background in developing defensive backs and scheming against the pass is especially relevant in today’s NFL. If Kubiak wants a younger, ascending coach who’s already familiar with his style and expectations, Scott could be a seamless fit.
Joe Woods: The In-House Option with Deep Roots
Joe Woods might already have a keycard to the building - and that could work in his favor. He served as the Raiders’ pass game coordinator under Pete Carroll in 2025, and he’s no stranger to Kubiak. The two have worked together at multiple stops: the Saints in 2024, the Vikings way back in 2013, and the Broncos from 2016 to 2018.
Woods brings experience, familiarity, and continuity. If Kubiak is looking to keep some of the current staff intact while still putting his own stamp on the team, Woods offers a ready-made option who knows the personnel and shares a coaching history that spans over a decade.
Steve Wilks: The Veteran Voice
If Kubiak wants a seasoned defensive mind to anchor his staff, Steve Wilks could be the answer. Wilks was let go midseason by the New York Jets in 2025, but his résumé speaks for itself. He’s been a head coach, a coordinator, and a respected leader across multiple franchises.
Kubiak and Wilks worked together with the 49ers in 2023, so there’s already a level of familiarity. Wilks brings a no-nonsense approach and a strong track record of getting the most out of his defenses. For a first-time head coach like Kubiak, having a veteran like Wilks on the sideline could provide valuable balance and leadership.
George Edwards: The Experienced Technician
Another name to watch is George Edwards, currently serving as the defensive pass game coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s working under Todd Bowles - one of the league’s premier defensive minds - and has a long history of success as a coordinator.
Edwards and Kubiak also crossed paths in Minnesota, coaching together in 2019. Edwards brings a methodical, detail-oriented approach and has seen it all in his NFL journey. If Kubiak wants someone who’s been in the trenches and knows how to build a defense from the ground up, Edwards checks a lot of boxes.
The Bottom Line
Klint Kubiak’s hire signals a new era in Las Vegas - one that leans into offensive innovation. But to truly compete in the loaded AFC, the Raiders need to shore up their defense. Whether Kubiak turns to a trusted colleague like Joe Woods, an up-and-comer like Karl Scott, or a seasoned vet like Steve Wilks or George Edwards, his choice at defensive coordinator will be one of the defining decisions of his early tenure.
The Raiders have made their move. Now it’s time to see who Kubiak brings with him to build this thing from the ground up.