NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Jan. 31 that the interview “went well,” reinforcing Kubiak as a leading candidate for the Raiders in their search for a new era at the helm.
Raiders legend Reggie Kinlaw weighed in, saying the team is entering a new era and that a younger head coach like Kubiak could fit the franchise well, especially if the team advances a quarterback development plan around a player such as Fernando Mendoza.
Kirk Morrison also offered his assessment, noting that Kubiak checks many boxes after overseeing Seattle’s offense across the season and in the playoffs, including a quarterback like Sam Darnold who found a home in Seattle.
In Seattle, Kubiak helped Darnold post a passer rating of 99.1, with 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions over 17 games, according to Stat Muse data cited in Morrison’s remarks. Morrison argued that Kubiak’s system-based approach creates open looks and adaptable options for varying defenses.
Supporters emphasize Kubiak’s ability to craft an offense that gets players open and leverages a quarterback’s strengths, a quality the Raiders believe could translate to a successful rebuild around a potential franchise quarterback.
With Kubiak viewed as a frontrunner, the Raiders’ coaching discussions also tie into the team’s quarterback plans, including the possibility of developing Fernando Mendoza under a new regime. The ongoing candidacy remains a focal point as Las Vegas evaluates its options in the post-season window.
