Klint Kubiak Emerging as the Raiders’ Top Choice - But He’s Got One More Game to Coach First
The Las Vegas Raiders appear to have zeroed in on their next head coach - and they’re willing to wait for him. According to multiple reports, Klint Kubiak has become the franchise’s primary target to take over on the sidelines. But there’s one catch: Kubiak is still busy preparing for the biggest game of his life.
The former New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator, now calling plays for the Seattle Seahawks, can’t officially sign on with the Raiders until after Super Bowl LX wraps up. It’s a familiar situation - just ask Kellen Moore, who found himself in a similar spot last year. But this time, it’s Kubiak’s moment, and he’s earned it.
In Seattle, Kubiak has helped unlock a version of the Seahawks offense that fans have been dreaming about for years. With a healthy roster and a quarterback who can execute his vision, Kubiak has turned the Seahawks into legitimate Super Bowl contenders. His play designs have been sharp, creative, and aggressive - just ask Rashid Shaheed, who’s once again thriving under Kubiak’s system after flashing potential in New Orleans last season.
This Sunday, Kubiak and the Seahawks will go toe-to-toe with a red-hot New England Patriots team. It’s a heavyweight matchup, and if Seattle can finish the job, Kubiak will head to Las Vegas with a Super Bowl ring - and a ton of momentum.
Once he officially takes the reins in Vegas, the real work begins. The Raiders are a team in transition, but they’re not without talent.
There’s a young offensive core that includes tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty - two explosive playmakers who haven’t even scratched the surface of what they can become. Add in a potential franchise quarterback on the horizon and a defensive cornerstone in Maxx Crosby, and you’ve got the makings of a team that could turn things around quicker than expected.
The biggest storyline heading into the offseason? The Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
All signs point to them targeting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza - the reigning Heisman Trophy winner who just led the Hoosiers to a national championship win over a loaded Miami Hurricanes squad. Mendoza has the arm, poise, and production that teams dream about.
If Kubiak gets his hands on him, the Raiders might finally have their long-term answer at the most important position in sports.
Of course, none of it will matter if the offensive line doesn’t improve. That’ll be one of Kubiak’s first priorities - protecting his quarterback and establishing a foundation up front. If he can get that group playing with cohesion and toughness, the rest of the offense could fall into place fast.
There’s a long road ahead, but this much is clear: Klint Kubiak is on the cusp of a massive opportunity. First, he’ll try to help Seattle finish the job on Super Bowl Sunday.
Then, it’s off to Las Vegas, where a new era of Raiders football is about to begin. And fittingly, it’ll start with a trip back to New Orleans - the Raiders are set to face the Saints in the Caesars Superdome during the 2026 season.
Circle that one on the calendar.