After winning a Super Bowl title as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator under head coach Mike Macdonald, Klint Kubiak became a sought-after candidate for head coaching jobs around the NFL. He ultimately accepted the Las Vegas Raiders’ offer, taking on the challenge of turning around the franchise after Pete Carroll’s disappointing tenure as head coach.
Kubiak made a strong impression on Seattle’s players, earning a reputation as an offensive-minded coach. But former Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp says the version of Kubiak he has seen on the Raiders’ sideline looks different from the coach he knew in Seattle.
“There’s some clips I’m like, ‘There’s no way that’s Klint,’” Kupp said.
Kupp has noticed Kubiak jumping up and down, celebrating with players and showing plenty of energy during games. The two will reunite when the Raiders host the Seahawks in Week 10 at Allegiant Stadium.
“It’s cool to see him out there,” Kupp said. “I always said the only thing would be like the energy, but he seems to have plenty of that energy over there now. Never showed that over here. But it’s good to see that he’s letting loose a little bit.”
Kubiak’s Raiders have performed better than some may have expected, and a win over Seattle could improve their record to 5-5. Beating the defending Super Bowl champions will be a difficult test, particularly with Las Vegas making a change at quarterback.
## Kubiak Says Fernando Mendoza Is Prepared to Face Seattle
The Raiders are set to start rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall draft pick and former Heisman Trophy winner, against the Seahawks. Las Vegas made the move after trading veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings for a third-round draft pick.
Mendoza faces a demanding first test against a Seattle defense Kubiak described as the best in the NFL. Still, the Raiders coach said he believes the rookie is ready for the opportunity.
“He’s prepared,” Kubiak said. “His daily preparation has been up to standard, and now he’s got to go prove it in the game.”
Kubiak said Mendoza should concentrate on his responsibilities rather than the challenge posed by Seattle.
“Every week in the NFL is tough, and this is the best defense in the NFL,” Kubiak said. “Again, he’s got to go do his job and not worry about a whole lot else.”
