As the NFL offseason starts to take shape, the Las Vegas Raiders are playing a bit of catch-up when it comes to building out their coaching staff - but there’s a good reason for that. Their new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, just wrapped up a Super Bowl run with the Seattle Seahawks. Now that the confetti has settled, he’s wasted no time getting to work in Vegas.
The first major addition under Kubiak’s watch? Former Chargers and Titans head coach Mike McCoy, who joins the Raiders as assistant head coach.
On paper, that’s a big move. In practice, it could be even bigger.
McCoy brings a deep résumé when it comes to quarterback development - and that’s no small thing for a Raiders team that may be eyeing a young passer in this year’s draft. He’s worked with some of the game’s best, including Philip Rivers, Jake Delhomme, and Peyton Manning. More recently, he’s had developmental stints with Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville and Cam Ward in Tennessee, helping both navigate the early stages of their pro careers.
That’s where this hire gets interesting. The Raiders, sitting in a position to potentially draft Fernando Mendoza, are clearly putting an emphasis on building a support system for a young quarterback.
McCoy’s track record suggests he’s more than capable of helping mold raw talent into NFL-caliber production. His ability to connect with signal callers and guide them through the highs and lows of the league could prove invaluable.
This move also tells us something about Kubiak’s approach. Fresh off a Super Bowl win as Seattle’s offensive coordinator - where he helped guide Sam Darnold to a championship - Kubiak is showing that he values veteran voices in the room, especially when it comes to the most important position on the field. Pairing his modern offensive mind with McCoy’s experience gives the Raiders a solid foundation to build around, both in the meeting rooms and on the field.
As the rest of the staff comes together and the front office begins to shape the roster, this coaching duo will be one to watch. The Raiders may have gotten a late start, but with Kubiak and McCoy leading the way, they’re setting the tone for a focused, quarterback-forward rebuild - and that could pay dividends sooner than later.