The Las Vegas Raiders have officially appointed Klint Kubiak as their new head coach. The announcement came on Monday, shortly after the Seattle Seahawks secured a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Kubiak, 38, transitions to this role as a first-time head coach, bringing 12 years of experience in the NFL.
The hiring process for Kubiak had been set in motion prior to the Super Bowl. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Raiders confirmed their intention to hire Kubiak on February 1, following a second meeting with him in Seattle. NFL regulations prevented the official announcement until after the Super Bowl, allowing time for coaches from participating teams to conclude their seasons.
During a live interview at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Kubiak expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Raiders, stating he was “fired up” for the opportunity. The date of February 1 was significant, marking the last day that coaches from Super Bowl teams could be interviewed by other organizations. Following that date, coaches were restricted from engaging with other teams until the day after the championship game.
Kubiak’s initial interview with the Raiders took place virtually on January 9, ahead of the Seahawks’ playoff game. He also participated in interviews with the Arizona Cardinals, who ultimately hired former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur after Kubiak expressed a preference for Las Vegas.
Kubiak succeeds Pete Carroll, who was dismissed after a disappointing 3-14 season with the Raiders. This marks the fifth head coach appointment for the Raiders in as many years. The team’s last playoff appearance occurred in 2021, with their last Super Bowl appearance dating back to 2003, and their last Super Bowl win in 1984.
The Raiders’ front office, led by general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady, has concluded their latest coaching search. However, the team still faces financial obligations to previous coaches, including over $30 million owed to Carroll from his reported three-year $45 million contract.
Kubiak enters this role with a notable track record, having coached in the Super Bowl three times, and for the first time calling plays during the championship game. He is the eldest son of former Houston Texans and Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, and comes from a family deeply rooted in football. His three brothers are also involved in the NFL.
The Raiders boast a wealth of young offensive talent, including Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers. Jeanty has already shared his excitement about Kubiak’s appointment. Furthermore, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, considered a likely top pick in the upcoming draft, praised Kubiak for his development of Sam Darnold, the Seahawks’ quarterback this season.
As Kubiak begins to build his coaching staff, attention will turn to his selection for offensive coordinator, a position where he is expected to have clear options given his extensive experience. The choice for defensive coordinator may lead to a more unexpected name, which could signal a new direction for the Raiders’ defense.
With the Raiders’ future looking more promising, Kubiak’s leadership will be pivotal as the team aims to return to its former glory in the upcoming seasons.
