Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is facing a domestic violence lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend. The incident has drawn attention as the NFL continues its investigation. The Chiefs have acknowledged the allegations and confirmed they are cooperating with the league, according to Jonathan Jones. The ongoing legal and league inquiries have placed Rice’s status under scrutiny as the situation develops.
Insights on Raiders’ Internal Issues and Coaching Changes
Separately, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport discussed the tense environment within the Las Vegas Raiders. Rapoport described the situation with defensive end Maxx Crosby as “definitely not nothing” and
“as complicated a situation as I can remember,”
largely due to disagreements over Crosby’s injury and playing status. Crosby had wanted to continue playing at the end of the 2025 season, but the Raiders shut him down for knee surgery, with recovery expected to take a couple of months. This timeline suggests any potential trade involving Crosby is more likely near the draft or preseason rather than in early 2024.
The Raiders have also undergone several coaching staff adjustments. Defensive line coach Rob Leonard was promoted to defensive coordinator, a move one source described as making “the plot thickens.” Safeties coach Matt Robinson, who previously spent five years with Baltimore, was hired under Leonard’s leadership after opting not to join the New York Giants with John Harbaugh. Additionally, Rick Dennison, formerly the Seahawks’ run game coordinator and senior offensive advisor, is expected to join Las Vegas.
Further Coaching Hires Highlight Raiders’ Strategy
The Raiders continue to build their coaching staff with multiple hires, including linebackers coach Ronell Williams, senior defensive assistant Al Holcomb, and Iowa running backs coach Omar Young. The team also showed interest in Minnesota’s assistant offensive coordinator Jordan Traylor for their quarterbacks coach position, but Traylor chose to stay with the Vikings. Las Vegas plans to interview Titans senior defensive assistant Ben Bloom for the linebackers coach role as well.
Implications for NFL Team Dynamics and Future Moves
The developments surrounding Rashee Rice’s legal troubles, combined with the Raiders’ coaching restructuring and player situation with Maxx Crosby, highlight the ongoing challenges NFL teams face off the field. Kansas City’s handling of Rice’s case will be closely monitored for its impact on the team and league protocol. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ coaching hires indicate a strategic effort to strengthen their roster and staff around a young core, similar to Washington’s approach in 2023. These dynamics could shape team performance and personnel moves ahead of the upcoming NFL draft and season.
“The plot thickens.” ?Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Analyst
The current expectation is that the #Broncos are going to hire Ronald Curry as wide receivers coach, sources tell @CBSSports.
The ex-NFL receiver was QB coach for the Bills the last two years. Before that, worked with the Saints for eight years, including six with Sean Payton. pic.twitter.com/xoHLi4KjNF
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 19, 2026
From the Chiefs: The club is aware and remains in communication with the National Football League.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) February 18, 2026
With a month before the start of the new league year, the story we're watching closely is what's going on with Maxx Crosby and #RaiderNation:#NFL pic.twitter.com/cViZIEjxgr
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 17, 2026
Raiders now officially have named Matt Robinson as their safeties coach. Robinson spent the past five seasons with the Ravens and briefly was headed to the Giants before changing course to head to Las Vegas. https://t.co/jOoko22k9d
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 17, 2026
The #Raiders are expected to hire #Seahawks run game coordinator and senior offensive advisor Rick Dennison, sources tell @CBSSports.
Dennison has 30 years of NFL coaching experience, including as an offensive coordinator with the Bills, Broncos and Texans. pic.twitter.com/p8Zy0ezEGU
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 17, 2026
Raiders have requested to speak with Vikings assistant offensive coordinator Jordan Traylor to be their QB coach, a job with the potential to work with expected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Traylor, 33, has worked with Kevin O’Connell, Sean Payton and Klint Kubiak, the…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 18, 2026
The Raiders plan to interview Titans senior defensive assistant Ben Bloom for their linebackers coach position, source tells @NFLonCBS. Bloom served as the Titans OLBs coach the past two seasons.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) February 18, 2026
The #Raiders are set to hire University of Iowa running backs coach Omar Young, sources tell me and @DavidEickholt.
Before Iowa, Young worked at the NFL level with the Patriots and Bears. pic.twitter.com/TQBUOKAkDT
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 18, 2026
Raiders named Ronell Williams their Linebackers Coach and Al Holcomb their Senior Defensive Assistant.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 19, 2026
