Because Kubiak is an offensive-minded coach, the choice of his defensive coordinator will be especially impactful, potentially yielding a coordinator with broad control over the unit. Former Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison suggested the new boss might look for a DC who has given his offense problems in practice or around the league, a tact that could influence how the defense is led.
Insiders have floated potential names for Kubiak’s staff, with NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport citing Seattle’s coaching group as a source of possibilities. Andrew Janocko, Seattle’s quarterbacks coach and a close ally of Kubiak, is viewed as a potential OC, while Jake Peetz, Seattle’s passing game coordinator, is also in the mix for either the Seattle role or a Raiders OC spot.
On the roster side, the Raiders have promising building blocks entering the offseason. Ashton Jeanty, who finished his rookie season with 1,321 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns, reflected on his first year, saying his production aligned with the high expectations he carries into 2026. Fellow young talent Brock Bowers remains a key component of Las Vegas’s offense.
Beyond Jeanty and Bowers, Las Vegas is eyeing the potential No. 1 overall pick, Fernandon Mendoza, as part of the offensive evolution under Kubiak. With the offseason underway, the Raiders will look to harness their young core while determining how to best align the passing game and rushing attack under a new head coach.
As Kubiak’s Feb. 10 press conference approaches, expectations will center on how he builds his coaching staff and which defensive coordinator he hires to lead a unit that will be pivotal to the Raiders’ 2026 plans. Further staff announcements are anticipated as the team sets its course for a critical offseason.