However, Kubiak may not be the Cardinals’ slam-dunk pick. Two reports suggest he could land with the Raiders or return to Seattle, where he has strong ties. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes the Raiders plan to interview Kubiak over the weekend and that it could be “his job to lose,” while Seattle beat writer Gregg Bell contends Seattle still has a “really good chance” to keep him.
The Cardinals’ candidacy appears fraught. NFL insider Josina Anderson has hinted that a highly sought coach could be weighing options as openings arise, implying Kubiak may be more inclined to other opportunities, depending on how currents shift between the remaining vacancies.
Kubiak’s appeal lies in his track record with the Seahawks, who averaged 28.4 points per game in 2025, ranking among the league’s top offenses. Under his direction, quarterback Sam Darnold posted 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns, and receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba produced a league-leading 1,793 receiving yards on 119 catches with 10 touchdowns. In the playoffs, Darnold remained interception-free, and Smith-Njigba accumulated 172 yards on 13 receptions.
Despite the strong offensive output, the Cardinals’ situation and the Raiders’ own challenges—such as their high draft pick and offensive-line concerns—pose difficult circumstances for any first-time head coach. Given the current landscape, it appears more likely that Kubiak will remain in Seattle next season rather than move to Arizona this cycle.
