Seahawks Face Double Loss as Klint Kubiak Eyes Raiders Job-and May Take Key Assistant With Him
The Seattle Seahawks are bracing for a major shakeup. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is reportedly on track to become the next head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders-a tough blow on its own.
But the potential departure of offensive line coach John Benton alongside him? That’s where things could really start to sting.
Benton, who worked with Kubiak in New Orleans in 2024 before joining him in Seattle, has quietly been one of the most impactful behind-the-scenes figures in the Seahawks’ recent turnaround up front. While Kubiak’s offensive scheme deserves credit, it’s Benton’s work with the offensive line that’s helped stabilize a group that had struggled for years.
Let’s not get carried away-the Seahawks’ O-line isn’t suddenly elite. But finishing 15th in Pro Football Focus’s 2025 offensive line rankings (after ranking dead last in 2024) is a massive leap. That kind of improvement doesn’t happen by accident.
Benton’s fingerprints are all over that progress. Rookie Grey Zabel brought some much-needed help at left guard, and right tackle Abraham Lucas staying healthy was a big factor, too. But the real story might be the development of second-year right guard Anthony Bradford.
Bradford’s growth over the course of the 2025 season was one of the more underappreciated storylines in Seattle. Early in the year, he was giving up pressure on a regular basis-four of the five games between Weeks 3 and 7 saw him allow multiple pressures.
But after the Week 8 bye, something clicked. From Weeks 9 through 15, Bradford gave up one or zero pressures in six of seven games.
That kind of midseason turnaround doesn’t just happen. It’s a sign that either Benton found a way to reach Bradford with his coaching-or he adjusted the blocking scheme to better fit Bradford’s strengths. Either way, it’s a testament to Benton’s value.
Sure, Bradford struggled in the NFC Championship Game against the Rams, but let’s be honest-Los Angeles has one of the nastiest defensive fronts in football. That wasn’t a Bradford problem; that was a Rams problem.
Now, the Seahawks are staring down the possibility of losing both Kubiak and Benton in one swoop. And if history is any guide, it’s likely Benton follows Kubiak to Las Vegas. The two have a clear working relationship, and Kubiak will want someone he trusts to build the trenches in his new gig.
If Benton does leave, Seattle’s next offensive coordinator hire becomes even more critical. Not just for scheme and play-calling, but for who he brings with him in the trenches. The Seahawks can’t afford to regress back to the O-line struggles that plagued them before Benton’s arrival.
Bottom line: losing Kubiak hurts. But losing Benton too? That’s the kind of loss that could ripple through the entire offense in 2026.