A month ago, Klint Kubiak looked like a lock to be one of the most sought-after names in the NFL's annual coaching carousel. The 36-year-old offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks had all the makings of the next big hire: pedigree, a sharp offensive mind, and a season that showcased his ability to elevate a unit that had struggled with consistency in recent years. But fast forward to today, and six of the ten head coaching vacancies have already been filled - none by Kubiak.
So what happened?
Let’s start with the obvious: timing. Kubiak’s Seahawks are still in the playoff mix, and that’s a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it’s a testament to his success - his offense has done enough to help keep Seattle alive in January. On the other, it’s made him less available during a period when NFL owners and front offices are racing to fill vacancies.
In a league where patience is in short supply, playoff-bound coordinators often find themselves watching the job market shrink while they’re still calling plays.
That’s not to say Kubiak is out of the picture entirely. Of the four remaining teams still searching for a head coach, two have either interviewed him or have one scheduled. The other two - Cleveland and Buffalo - haven’t shown public interest yet, but the landscape is still fluid.
Buffalo, in particular, is worth watching. The Bills only recently entered the head coaching market after the surprise firing of Sean McDermott, and they’ve already cast a wide net with at least eight candidates reportedly in the mix.
None of those coaches are still in the playoffs, which could suggest they’re waiting on someone like Kubiak. If Buffalo is willing to hold off until Seattle’s season wraps, Kubiak could become a serious contender there.
Cleveland, meanwhile, feels like a long shot. There’s been no indication that the Browns are pursuing Kubiak, and their search appears to be headed in a different direction. Stranger things have happened, but as of now, there’s no real smoke there.
Then there’s Arizona. The Cardinals had an interview lined up with Kubiak, but recent reports suggest they’ve shifted focus - and most of the names being floated are defensive-minded coaches.
The one offensive candidate still firmly in the mix? Rams OC Mike LaFleur, who, like Kubiak, is still coaching in the playoffs.
If Arizona prefers LaFleur over Kubiak despite both being unavailable for immediate hire, that’s not just about scheduling. That’s a preference.
Which brings us to the Las Vegas Raiders - arguably the most intriguing and volatile option left on the board. According to betting markets, Kubiak is the current frontrunner for the Raiders’ job.
And while the organization has been anything but stable in recent years, there’s talent on that roster and a potential game-changer in the upcoming draft. Add Tom Brady’s growing influence in the front office, and the Raiders’ next hire could be a statement move.
But there’s a wrinkle: Davis Webb, Denver’s pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. If the Broncos lose this weekend and the Seahawks advance, Webb becomes immediately available while Kubiak remains tied up with Seattle.
That could tilt the scales. The question becomes: will Mark Davis and Tom Brady wait for Kubiak, or will they pivot to the more accessible option?
If Kubiak misses out on Vegas - and doesn’t land in Buffalo or one of the other remaining openings - a return to Seattle in 2026 becomes the most likely outcome. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Just ask Ben Johnson, who stayed in Detroit after passing up head coaching offers in 2024 and still landed a top job the following year. Sometimes, the right opportunity is worth waiting for.
Kubiak’s stock hasn’t dropped - it’s just caught in the NFL’s annual tug-of-war between urgency and strategy. He’s still viewed as one of the league’s brightest young offensive minds.
Whether that leads to a head coaching gig this cycle or another year in Seattle, his trajectory is still pointing up. The next few weeks will tell us just how high he’s about to climb.