Raiders Hire Kubiak, Draft Mendoza in Bid to Avoid Past QB Pitfalls

New coach and rookie QB pairing aims to learn from Raiders' previous struggles with first-time head coaches and top draft picks.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:09am

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A fragmented, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in muted earth tones, conceptually representing the complex dynamics of a new quarterback and head coach pairing in the NFL.A cubist interpretation of the Raiders' new quarterback-coach duo, deconstructing the game into geometric shapes and planes.Henderson Today

The Las Vegas Raiders have hired first-time NFL head coach Klint Kubiak and are expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. This marks the second time in franchise history the Raiders have paired a rookie QB with a new head coach, following the ill-fated pairing of JaMarcus Russell and Lane Kiffin in 2007. However, the Raiders are hoping Kubiak's experience and Mendoza's skill set will lead to better results this time around.

Why it matters

The Raiders' previous experience with a rookie QB and first-time head coach was marked by chaos and failure, as Russell and Kiffin combined for a 5-15 record before both being fired. This new pairing will be closely watched to see if the Raiders have learned from their past mistakes and can develop Mendoza into a long-term solution at quarterback.

The details

Kubiak, who won a Super Bowl as offensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks, will have a strong support staff around Mendoza, including experienced QB coach Andrew Janocko. The Raiders have also signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins, who is familiar with Kubiak's system, to potentially serve as a mentor for the rookie. Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, is expected to be the first overall pick after a dominant 16-0 season at Indiana.

  • The Raiders hired Kubiak as their new head coach in January 2026.
  • Mendoza is expected to be selected with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23.

The players

Klint Kubiak

The Raiders' new head coach, who has extensive experience as an NFL offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Fernando Mendoza

The expected first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, coming off a dominant 16-0 season and national championship at Indiana University.

Kirk Cousins

The veteran quarterback signed by the Raiders to a $20 million guaranteed contract in 2026, who has familiarity with Kubiak's offensive system.

John Spytek

The Raiders' general manager, who has emphasized the importance of patience and support in developing young quarterbacks.

Andrew Janocko

The Raiders' offensive coordinator, who has a strong track record as a quarterbacks coach under Kubiak.

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What they’re saying

“To think that you're just going to take a young quarterback anywhere and start him Week 1 and it's going to go great, is naive. You're not doing that kid any favors at all.”

— John Spytek, Raiders General Manager

“Andrew is a really phenomenal teacher. He knows how to keep it simple for the guys, and he works his tail off to make sure he's prepared to lead those meetings every day. I couldn't ask for a better quarterback coach [or] offensive coordinator than Andrew.”

— Klint Kubiak, Raiders Head Coach

What’s next

The Raiders will continue to evaluate Mendoza and other prospects leading up to the draft, and will make a final decision on the first overall pick on April 23.

The takeaway

The Raiders are taking a more measured approach this time around, surrounding their potential rookie QB with experienced coaching and veteran leadership. If they can avoid the pitfalls of the past, this pairing of Kubiak and Mendoza could be the foundation for long-term success in Las Vegas.