One NFC foe may be tired of what Klint Kubiak is doing in his search to put together a coaching staff
Klint Kubiak is only trying to create the best staff.
The Las Vegas Raiders are trying to build their staff around new head coach Klint Kubiak. They’ve already hired assistant head coach Mike McCoy, who was the interim head coach of the Tennessee Titans last season. Now, the coordinators and everyone else follow.
Vegas has also interviewed former Raiders defensive line coach Rob Leonard for the open DC position, in what could be an attempt to make Maxx Crosby happy, as the defensive end has a very strong relationship with Leonard. Now, the Raiders won’t be adding a name to the list of interviews they have scheduled, because there’s a team that may not like what Vegas is doing to get their coaches.
Klint Kubiak and Vegas were denied by the Seahawks
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Raiders requested to interview Seahawks assistant Justin Outten for the run-game coordinator role, but Seattle blocked the request. And, rightfully so, as Kubiak has already scheduled interviews with Seahawks WR coach Frisman Jackson for OC and Seahawks safeties coach Jeff Howard for DC.
Seattle’s response could indicate irritation over Vegas targeting its successful coaching staff. The Seahawks may feel a need to retain these coaches to maintain momentum after a strong season and ensure the group continues working together. At the same time, Kubiak noted that he already has a list of coaches he is considering for staff positions.
“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.”
Alternatively, the Seahawks may have denied the request because they plan to promote Outten internally. With the run-game specialist and assistant offensive line coach among four candidates for their OC job, Seattle likely aims to retain valued staff for their own organizational needs. Seattle HC Mike MacDonald mentioned he didn’t want all of his staff to make the trip to Vegas. He wanted continuity, and that may mean promoting guys to keep them.
With these moves underway, what are the Raiders seeking in their new staff? What qualities might Kubiak target as he builds his coaching team?
“We’re trying to assemble a great team of teachers,” Kubiak said. “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.”
Although Outten may not join the Raiders, Kubiak could continue to pursue additional Seahawks staff, indicating his strategic desire to enhance the coaching roster by seeking talent from successful teams.
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.
