In a remarkable transition, Klint Kubiak went from celebrating a Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks to being named the 25th head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in under two days. His arrival signals a fresh start for a franchise eager to overcome recent struggles, with Kubiak emphasizing the importance of star pass rusher Maxx Crosby in shaping the team’s path forward.
New Leader Embraces Raiders’ Storied Past and Present Challenges
Kubiak was introduced to fans and media while flanked by Raiders legends including Mike Haynes, Howie Long, Marcus Allen, Jim Plunkett, Charles Woodson, and Rich Gannon. Despite the franchise’s rich legacy of championships, its more recent years have been marked by disappointing results. Kubiak acknowledged the tough job ahead but expressed enthusiasm instead of intimidation.
“It’s not daunting at all, it’s a blessing,”
Kubiak said.
“This is where you want to be.”
Since its last Super Bowl appearance at the conclusion of the 2002 season, the Raiders have only reached the playoffs twice and have gone through multiple head coaching changes, including five full-time head coaches this decade. The team finished with the league’s worst record last season, making Kubiak’s task to rebuild the team especially urgent. However, the prospect of working with general manager John Spytek, limited partner Tom Brady, and rising stars like running back Ashton Jeanty, tight end Brock Bowers, and pass rusher Maxx Crosby made the role highly appealing.
“I know there’s a history of guys that are in and out of here pretty quick,”
Kubiak said.
“I look at it as you know what? What a great challenge.”
Upcoming Draft Critical for Team’s Offensive Future
While Kubiak is positioned as the cornerstone for the Raiders’ rebuilding efforts, the selection of the first overall pick in the April NFL Draft looms as a pivotal decision. The team’s recent struggles, especially following unsuccessful quarterback experiments like Geno Smith, have left a void at the position. Owner Mark Davis hinted that the Raiders will likely focus on acquiring offensive talent to address this deficiency.
“It came down to where we are this year, having the first pick in the draft and understanding that there’s a good chance we’ll go on the offensive side of the ball,”
Davis said, as reported by ESPN’s Ryan McFadden.
Though Davis kept the draft target somewhat broad, Kubiak remained guarded when asked about specific prospects, including Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. He emphasized thorough evaluation before making decisions.
“There’s a lot of tape to watch,”
Kubiak explained. Describing the draft as an “opportunity,” he added,
“To get to go study this draft, and we’ll come to that conclusion here soon. There’s a lot of work to be done before then, but it’s another opportunity to make the roster better. Not only do you have the first-overall pick, but you’re picking early in all the other rounds, too. Looking forward to attacking that process.”
Rebuilding Offensive Depth Around Emerging Talent
The Raiders struggled significantly on offense last season, finishing last in both points and yards gained. While Kubiak showed excitement about emerging players like Jeanty and Bowers, the team will need substantial upgrades to become competitive. Bowers, in particular, was praised for his ability to rank among the league’s best receivers, not just tight ends. The offensive rebuild heavily depends on Kubiak’s vision, as he will take on play-calling duties moving forward.
Commitment to Retaining Defensive Star Maxx Crosby
Defensively, Las Vegas performed better but still ranked only 25th in points allowed. Leading the defense is Maxx Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler whose future with the team has been the subject of trade speculation. However, Kubiak made it clear that Crosby is central to the Raiders’ plans.
“We want him to be a part of our success going forward,”
Kubiak stated.
“There’s no doubt about that. He’s one of the best players in the NFL. So, that’s a no-brainer to get to work with Maxx and to see him continue to have success with this organization.”
Facing a Complex Rebuild With High Expectations
Kubiak inherits a challenging situation in Las Vegas following a period of instability. Three consecutive Raiders head coaches failed to finish a second season, and the AFC West has been dominated by playoff-contending teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, who have secured three Super Bowl titles since 2019. Balancing the pressure to capitalize on the first draft pick, managing Crosby’s role, and establishing a competitive team will define Kubiak’s tenure.
Despite these obstacles, Kubiak conveyed passion and respect for the franchise’s heritage during his introduction.
“This is no ordinary job,” he said.
“This is the Silver and Black. This is the Raiders. This is a historic franchise. When the opportunity came up to stay in Seattle and continue there or to have a chance to come here and compete with this organization, it was a no-brainer… The grit of this franchise sticks out. When you hear the Autumn Wind is a Raider, I can hear that in my mind growing up.”
Looking Ahead as the Raiders Seek a New Beginning
As the new head coach settles in, the Raiders face a critical offseason filled with tough decisions and high hopes. Kubiak’s commitment to building around Maxx Crosby, leveraging the No. 1 draft pick, and restoring confidence in the team offers a path toward reclaiming the franchise’s former glory. Fans and the organization alike anticipate that within months, the “Autumn Wind” will blow with renewed purpose and energy for the Silver and Black.
#Raiders owner Mark Davis on why Kubiak made sense to be the HC: “It came down to where we are this year, having the first pick in the draft and understanding that there's a good chance we'll go on the offensive side of the ball.”
— Ryan McFadden (@ryanmcfadden_) February 10, 2026
