Sources: Raiders promoting assistant Rob Leonard to DC

Sources have informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the Las Vegas Raiders plan to elevate run game coordinator/defensive line coach Rob Leonard to the position of defensive coordinator.

Leonard has collaborated closely with Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, whose future with the team is uncertain following the appointment of rookie head coach Klint Kubiak.

Since 2023, Leonard has served as the defensive line coach in Las Vegas.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Raiders will also keep Joe Woods as the defensive pass game coordinator.

The Raiders’ defense struggled with consistency during the 2025 season under former coordinator Patrick Graham and coach Pete Carroll, who attempted to integrate their defensive styles but ultimately faced challenges.

Las Vegas ranked 25th in points allowed (25.4) and 14th in total yards allowed (317.8). Opponents were able to convert 46.3% of their third-down opportunities against the Raiders.

although the challenges, the Raiders’ defense showed resilience against the run, allowing just 3.9 yards per carry—ranking fourth in the league. Crosby recorded 10 sacks and 26 tackles for loss, while defensive tackle Jonah Laulu achieved a career-high of four sacks in his second year.

Rookie Tonka Hemingway made an impression late in the season, notching four sacks in the last five games.

Before his tenure with the Raiders, Leonard spent a season as the outside linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, following his role as linebackers coach and assistant defensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021.

Leonard also served as an assistant coach for the New York Giants from 2013 to 2018.

This marks Kubiak’s second appointment since being named the 25th head coach in franchise history on Monday, with the Raiders announcing on Friday that Mike McCoy will join the staff as an assistant head coach.