Former QB under Klint Kubiak describes what the Las Vegas Raiders are truly getting in their new head coach
The Las Vegas Raiders finally seem to have the right head coach for the job in Klint Kubiak.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold gave Las Vegas Raiders fans a glimpse into what rookie head coach Clint Kubiak will bring to the franchise.
Darnold, who played under Kubiak as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator last season, recently appeared on the Bustin’ with the Boys podcast and shared his thoughts on the man now leading the Raiders into 2026 and beyond.
The two spent time together across multiple NFL franchises, and Darnold’s firsthand experience with Kubiak carries weight. The Seahawks quarterback was coached to a Super Bowl win and an elite season under Kubiak’s guidance, so his perspective on what Raiders players can expect is worth paying attention to.
Kubiak’s even-keeled demeanor stands out
According to Darnold, the biggest thing Raiders fans should know about Kubiak is his temperament. He described the new coach as someone who has a level head at all times. Kubiak is never going to get too high, and he’s never going to get too low. One play is not going to change his expression. He stays the same, even-keeled guy throughout the entirety of a game.
That quality matters more than people might realize. Players look to their head coach when things go wrong. If the guy leading the sideline is stressed out and visibly panicking, it trickles down to everyone else on the field. Kubiak’s steadiness gives his players confidence, and that’s something the Raiders have lacked in recent years with all the coaching turnover they’ve endured.
Darnold sees a familiar quarterback situation in Las Vegas
Darnold also pointed out that the Raiders have the perfect quarterback situation for their rookie signal-caller. He compared it to his own experience with veteran mentor Josh McCown earlier in his career. In Las Vegas, Kirk Cousins fills that same role for Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick.
Having a veteran like Cousins to guide Mendoza through his transition to the NFL is exactly the kind of setup that can accelerate a young quarterback’s development. Darnold lived it, and he recognizes what the Raiders are building with that dynamic.
Raiders still have work to do on the field
The Raiders do have a solid foundation taking shape under Kubiak and general manager John Spytek. The franchise feels like it’s heading in the right direction after years of taking one step forward and two steps back. Darnold himself acknowledged that Kubiak is the right guy for the job.
That said, there is still plenty of work to be done on the field. A good coaching staff and a promising quarterback situation only get you so far. The Raiders need to translate all of this offseason optimism into actual results once the regular season kicks off.