However, the deal cannot be finalized until after the big game. Schefter notes that Kubiak met with the Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals on Jan. 31 and plans to finalize with Las Vegas following the Lombardi trophy matchup, with the Seahawks set to face the New England Patriots on Feb. 8.
Adding a potential wrinkle, The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen floated the possibility that Kubiak could bring a Seahawks assistant to Las Vegas as offensive coordinator. Nguyen specifically highlighted OL coach John Benton as a strong candidate for the OC role, suggesting he should receive the title and a substantial salary.
Reaction from former Raiders in the wake of the reports has been mixed but positive about Kubiak’s fit. Raiders legend Reggie Kinlaw said the team is entering a new era and that Kubiak would be ideal, especially if the Raiders add a young quarterback like Fernando Mendoza who could be coached into a new, more passing-centric style.
Another former Raider, Kirk Morrison, echoed the sentiment that Kubiak “checks a lot of the boxes,” pointing to his offense’s performance throughout the season and his work with quarterbacks who have bounced around the league, including Sam Darnold, as signs of his potential impact in Las Vegas.
For now, the report remains contingent on the outcome of the Super Bowl, with no official confirmation until after the game. The ongoing chatter places Kubiak in the spotlight as Las Vegas’ prospective next head coach, pending post–Super Bowl negotiations.
