What does Klint Kubiak’s hiring mean for the Raiders?

HENDERSON, Nev. — In their quest for the 25th head coach in franchise history, the Las Vegas Raiders made a strategic choice. With running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers already in the mix, and potential addition of Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza on the horizon, Las Vegas’ decision to hire an offensive-minded coach aims to fully utilize the talents of both its current and future young stars.

The Raiders have brought on Klint Kubiak, who recently guided the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl LX victory as their offensive coordinator. The confirmation of Kubiak’s hiring, finalized on Monday, marks a significant step in the franchise’s rebuilding journey.

Kubiak not only introduces a highly effective offensive scheme — the Seahawks ranked third with an average of 28.4 points per game and eighth in total yardage with 351.4 in 2025 — but he also represents the Raiders’ top choice, a welcome change from last year when they ended up settling for Pete Carroll after missing out on Ben Johnson.

This coaching search, led by Raiders general manager John Spytek in collaboration with minority owner and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, started in earnest on January 5 following the firing of Carroll. Spytek had previously mentioned an openness to various candidates, but the focus on those with offensive backgrounds was evident. Out of 15 interviewed candidates, 10 were offensive coaches, including Davis Webb, Mike McDaniel, Brian Daboll, and Kubiak.

Carolina Panthers’ defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero was considered the team’s backup option after Webb withdrew his name from consideration.

Kubiak distinguished himself during a virtual interview on January 9, following up with a compelling in-person meeting. Brady, who served as a Fox color commentator during Seattle’s playoff victories, observed Kubiak’s work closely.

The Raiders honed in on Kubiak just before the Seahawks’ Super Bowl appearance. They had a second meeting with him on January 31 in Seattle, coinciding with a visit from the Arizona Cardinals. The timeline felt precarious due to other head coaching vacancies in the league rapidly being filled, which threatened to limit the Raiders’ options.

The Raiders’ perseverance paid off as they secured Kubiak on a five-year deal, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

As Las Vegas strives to improve its competitiveness, the offense holds potential for significant enhancement, especially after last season’s dismal performance that saw them finish last in points (14.1) and total yards (245.2).

Under Kubiak’s leadership, Seattle’s offense drastically outperformed last year’s Ryan Grubb-led unit, which ranked 18th with an average of 22.1 points and 14th in total yardage (332.2). The 2025 Seahawks set a franchise record with an average of 28.4 points per game, second only to the 2020 team.

Kubiak, who is the son of former Denver Broncos coach Gary Kubiak, comes from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree and implements his interpretation of the West Coast offense.

He heavily utilizes player personnel, focusing on schemes such as 12 personnel (one running back, two wide receivers, and two tight ends) and 21 personnel (two running backs, a tight end, and two wide receivers). This strategy compels opponents to address the run, creating mismatches and explosive passing opportunities.

yet, the current wide receiver lineup for the Raiders doesn’t match that of the Seahawks. Seattle featured 2025 Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba, along with Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp. Nevertheless, Las Vegas’ Bowers, who had 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns over 12 games, has the potential to flourish within Kubiak’s system.

also, wide receiver Tre Tucker (57 catches, 696 yards, five touchdowns), who can accelerate the field vertically, has shown improvement across his three NFL seasons and could realize a greater leap with Kubiak at the helm. Tucker earned recognition for his ability to create separation in one-on-one situations, and Kubiak excels at devising plays that generate such favorable matchups.

The Seahawks were leaders in employing 12 personnel. In the regular season, they used this formation on 27.4% of offensive plays, ranking 11th in the NFL according to Next Gen Stats. They also led in total yards per play (7.5), passing yards per play (10.5), offensive EPA (47.01), and stood third in rushing yards (5.3).

Kubiak’s outside zone run approach saw success, with Seattle tying for 10th in rushing yards (123.3) after ranking 28th (95.7) in 2024. He effectively utilized running backs Kenneth Walker III (221 carries, 1,027 yards, and five touchdowns) and Zach Charbonnet (184 carries, 730 yards, and 12 touchdowns).

Walker was named Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 135 yards against the Patriots.

The Raiders’ intended two-running-back setup under former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly did not come to fruition, leading to a last-place finish in rushing yards (77.5 per game). Jeanty tallied 266 carries for 975 yards and five touchdowns, with quarterback Geno Smith being the second most frequent ball carrier with 41 attempts.

With Kubiak’s system, Jeanty, who averaged 3.7 yards per carry, should see more consistent production. yet, for the offense to have success in Year 1, several adjustments through free agency or the draft are essential. The Raiders are expected to invest significantly in their offensive line, the team’s primary weakness in 2025.

Las Vegas has already secured the left tackle position with Kolton Miller. The incoming coaching staff will need to decide whether Jackson Powers-Johnson will play right guard or center. even so, acquiring two interior linemen and a right tackle would be prudent.

Potential free agent targets include Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson, and Buffalo Bills guard David Edwards. The Raiders may also consider bringing back starting left guard Dylan Parham, who has participated in 63 of 64 games for the organization.

also, the team will need to add a premier wide receiver who can alleviate pressure from Bowers. Potential targets in free agency include Indianapolis Colts’ Alec Pierce and Seahawks’ Rashid Shaheed, who is already familiar with Kubiak’s system and can offer additional value as a return specialist.

also, the Raiders must seek another running back to complement Jeanty and allow Kubiak to replicate the successful duo of Walker and Charbonnet.

If Mendoza is selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, he and Kubiak could form a promising partnership. Kubiak has a history of fostering strong quarterback performances. Seattle’s QB Sam Darnold was named to the Pro Bowl after throwing for 4,048 yards (fifth), 25 touchdowns (tied for ninth), and maintaining a 67.7% completion rate (seventh) in 2025.

While Kubiak was offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints in 2024, QB Derek Carr amassed 2,145 yards, 15 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 60.2 QBR in 10 games. Kubiak’s influence also shone through with San Francisco’s Brock Purdy, who had 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 2023.

During his time with the Minnesota Vikings, where Kubiak served two years as quarterbacks coach (2019-2020) and one as offensive coordinator (2021), Kirk Cousins amassed 12,089 yards, 94 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 67.6%. Cousins made the Pro Bowl in 2021 with 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.

Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, expressed his admiration for Kubiak on the Pat McAfee show, noting he has extensively studied Seattle’s film.

“Throughout this season, we incorporated aspects of a Kubiak-[Sean] McVay system, particularly in our play-action,” Mendoza stated during Super Bowl week in San Francisco.

“Kubiak’s ability to blend outside zone to achieve edge in the run game, allowing the running back to find holes or cut back, has proven effective. His guidance in developing Sam Darnold has been remarkable.”

“As a football fan, I’ve watched plenty of breakdowns of his coaching style.”