Raiders Retain Familiar DB Coach Joe Woods

New head coach Klint Kubiak keeps trusted defensive assistant on staff.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Raiders have retained defensive backs coach Joe Woods as part of new head coach Klint Kubiak's coaching staff. Woods previously worked with Kubiak when the latter was the offensive coordinator in New Orleans, and has over 20 years of NFL coaching experience, including a Super Bowl win with the Denver Broncos.

Why it matters

Keeping continuity on the coaching staff is important, especially for a team like the Raiders that is looking to build on recent success. Woods is a well-respected defensive coach who has a strong relationship with Kubiak, which should help the transition to the new regime.

The details

The Raiders announced that Joe Woods will remain on staff as the defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Woods previously worked with Kubiak in 2021 when Kubiak was the offensive coordinator for the Saints and Woods was the defensive coordinator. Woods also has prior experience working with Kubiak's father, Gary Kubiak, when he was the head coach of the Broncos.

  • On February 14, 2026, the Raiders announced that Joe Woods would be retained on the coaching staff.
  • In 2021, Woods was the defensive coordinator for the Saints while Klint Kubiak was the offensive coordinator.

The players

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Joe Woods

The defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, who is being retained from the previous coaching staff.

Gary Kubiak

Klint Kubiak's father, who was the head coach of the Denver Broncos when Joe Woods was the defensive backs coach there.

Rob Leonard

The Raiders' defensive line coach who was recently promoted to defensive coordinator.

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What’s next

The Raiders will need to continue filling out Klint Kubiak's coaching staff, including naming an offensive coordinator, ahead of the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine.

The takeaway

The retention of respected defensive backs coach Joe Woods provides stability and familiarity for the Raiders as they transition to a new head coach in Klint Kubiak. This move should help the team build on its recent success on the defensive side of the ball.