The Las Vegas Raiders are wasting no time building out their new coaching staff under recently hired head coach Klint Kubiak - and he’s turning to familiar faces as he gets to work reshaping the franchise.
Fresh off a Super Bowl win with the Seahawks as Seattle’s offensive coordinator, Kubiak is reportedly eyeing Seahawks safeties coach Jeff Howard for the Raiders’ defensive coordinator role. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Howard is scheduled to interview for the job this Saturday.
Howard, 43, has a long-standing connection with Kubiak. The two previously worked together in Minnesota and again in Seattle, where Howard has earned a strong reputation as a respected assistant. His work with the Seahawks' secondary helped anchor a championship-caliber defense this past season, and his familiarity with Kubiak’s approach could make for a smooth transition in Las Vegas.
This isn’t the first time Kubiak has looked to Seattle to help shape his new staff. He also interviewed Seahawks wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson for the Raiders’ offensive coordinator position. While no official hires have been announced yet, it’s clear Kubiak is prioritizing trust and continuity as he assembles his coaching team.
At just 38 years old, Kubiak steps into a major opportunity - and a major challenge. The Raiders are coming off a tough 3-14 season, one that exposed both roster holes and coaching instability. But with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and an estimated $90 million in cap space to work with, the pieces are there for a significant turnaround.
The first step, though, is finalizing the coaching staff. Kubiak’s early moves suggest a clear vision: surround himself with coaches who know his system, understand his philosophy, and can help instill a new culture in Las Vegas. Bringing in someone like Jeff Howard, who’s been part of a championship run and knows how to lead a defensive room, would be a strong foundational move.
There’s still plenty of offseason ahead. The draft, free agency, and roster decisions will dominate headlines soon enough. But for now, the Raiders are focused on getting the right minds in the building - and if Kubiak’s early targets are any indication, he’s looking to build something stable, smart, and sustainable in Vegas.