The NFL landscape is buzzing with excitement as the 10th and final head coaching vacancy is officially filled. Klint Kubiak, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, has taken the helm as the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
After a successful run guiding the Seahawks to Super Bowl LX, Kubiak made a direct announcement following the game: “You guys know I’m going to Las Vegas. I’m fired up about it.” His enthusiasm is palpable, and it promises to bring a new energy to the Raiders’ sideline.
Kubiak’s appointment comes after an impressive season, where he showcased his knack for play-calling and offensive strategy. Under head coach Mike Macdonald, he reshaped the Seahawks’ offensive approach, emphasizing a potent run game and engineered versatile plays that combined the talents of running backs Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III. This dynamic duo not only contributed to the ground game but also opened up opportunities for the passing attack to thrive.
One of Kubiak’s crowning achievements this season was his work with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. After a standout year, Smith-Njigba concluded the campaign leading the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards, demonstrating Kubiak’s ability to elevate individual performances to elite levels. Equally impressive was his management of quarterback Sam Darnold, who significantly improved under Kubiak’s guidance, contouring him into a more efficient leader on the field.
As the Seahawks geared up for their Super Bowl run, Kubiak’s strategic prowess shone through in key matchups, particularly against divisional rivals, the Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks amassed a remarkable 69 points in their final two games against them, including a thrilling overtime victory that epitomized Kubiak’s skill in crafting game-winning strategies.
Going into the season, the Seahawks’ offensive prospects were somewhat muted, but Kubiak defied expectations. His unit finished eighth in the league for yards per game (351.4) and third for points per game (28.4). Most notably, the Seahawks surged to an astonishing 14-win season, marking the franchise’s first time achieving such a feat, which culminated in their second Super Bowl victory.
This is Kubiak’s third avenue as an offensive coordinator; he previously had stints with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 and the New Orleans Saints in 2024. However, this latest promotion marks a significant step forward in his career, transitioning from coordinator to head coach—a role filled with immense responsibility and opportunity.
Kubiak steps into a challenging landscape with the Raiders, a team that wrapped up the 2025 season with a dismal 3-14 record. Their struggles have led them to claim the first overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, a critical opportunity for rebuilding and reshaping the roster under Kubiak’s vision.