Raiders HC Klint Kubiak is making it very obvious he’s already trying to do anything to make Maxx Crosby happy
The Raiders need Maxx Crosby.
The Las Vegas Raiders are assembling their coaching staff. Klint Kubiak returns as head coach after his Super Bowl parade with the Seattle Seahawks, and the team is getting to work immediately. They have already made a key hire for Kubiak in assistant HC Mike McCoy.
Now, it’s time to find offensive and defensive coordinators. They have begun scheduling interviews with coaches they like. According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, the Raiders will interview former defensive line coach and run game coordinator Rob Leonard for the DC job.
Leonard has been with the Raiders since 2023 and was on staff last year. He’s one of Maxx 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.
“Definitely have a list of candidates that we’re going through right now,” Kubiak told reporters this week. “And we’re going to be working hand in hand on coaches, on the roster, everything. That’s part of us being successful, is us working together.”
What is Kubiak looking for in his staff?
With Kubiak, it’s unclear which staff he’ll target. Unlike veteran coaches, his hires are harder to predict. We can only guess based on connections. Kubiak knows what he wants, which is a good start.
“We’re trying to assemble a great team of teachers. 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.”
The Raiders must get this staff right. Recent staff have missed the mark. Kubiak seems on track. Leonard is not just a great coach—he’s a great teacher, having helped players like Adam Butler, Jonah Laulu, Malcolm Koonce, K’Lavon Chaisson, and others improve.
The question is: Is he ready to be a coordinator? That’s something the Raiders would have to find out. However, Leonard has been a defensive coach of some sort for 13 years in the NFL, having stops with the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and, of course, the Raiders. Leonard has a good rep among league circles and could be the guy next.
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.
