Raiders’ recent hire of Rob Leonard as the new defensive coordinator knocks two birds out with one stone
It’s really a home run hire for the Raiders.
The Las Vegas Raiders are aggressively building their new coaching staff. Klint Kubiak is back as head coach after his Super Bowl win with the Seahawks, and the team is wasting no time. They’ve already hired assistant HC Mike McCoy and just made another key addition.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Raiders are promoting Rob Leonard—currently their defensive line coach and run game coordinator—to defensive coordinator, ending their search for a new play caller. This strategic move kills two birds with one stone.
The Raiders’ hiring of Rob Leonard as the defensive coordinator is as good as they could do
Leonard joined the Raiders in 2023, so this promotion builds continuity within the team. While leadership has changed frequently in recent years, retaining Leonard gives some much-needed stability. A consistent coaching staff helps maintain team direction and development, making this move valuable beyond filling a vacancy.
On the other hand, the Raiders are in some drama right now with their best player. There are rumors that Maxx Crosby wants out, and while he hasn’t officially demanded a trade, why not go ahead and make a move that makes him happy? Leonard is one of Crosby’s favorite coaches and is known for maximizing a defensive line that hasn’t stood out on paper. The Raiders want to keep Crosby happy, and Kubiak already had a list of candidates—perhaps Leonard was on it.
“We’re trying to assemble a great team of teachers,” Kubiak told reporters this week. “We’ve got to get some really good teachers and coaches here, and get us all on the same page, and get our players going in the same direction. That communication is really important. I think if we can put together a great staff here and get our players up to date on these playbooks and the expectations we have of them, then the results will speak for themselves.”
Leonard is not just a great coach—he’s a great teacher who has played a significant role in the improvement of players like Adam Butler, who saw increased tackle numbers under Leonard, Jonah Laulu, who grew into a rotational contributor, Malcolm Koonce, whose sack numbers increased, and K’Lavon Chaisson, who developed greater consistency. These examples show that Leonard has a track record of helping players elevate their performances, which fits Kubiak’s criteria for staff.
The question is whether Leonard is ready to be a coordinator. The Raiders will have to find out. He has 13 years of NFL defensive coaching experience with the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and Oakland Raiders. Leonard has a good reputation and could be the right pick.
Las Vegas Raiders News
Klint Kubiak has already won over the Raiders fan base in a unique way and he hasn’t even started the job yet
The Raiders are excited to have Kubiak, and he’s excited to be a Raider.
