Seahawks QB Sam Darnold Praises New Raiders Coach Klint Kubiak

Darnold and Kubiak worked together this season and won a Super Bowl.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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After the Seahawks won Super Bowl LX, quarterback Sam Darnold had only positive things to say about his now former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who is set to become the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Why it matters

Kubiak's hiring by the Raiders represents a significant move, as he is taking on his first head coaching role in the NFL after serving as an offensive coordinator for several teams. Darnold's endorsement of Kubiak's coaching abilities and character could help generate excitement and optimism around the new Raiders regime.

The details

Kubiak, the son of former Broncos Super Bowl-winning head coach Gary Kubiak, has extensive NFL experience as an offensive coordinator for the Vikings, Saints and Seahawks. In 2025, he helped Seattle's offense rank third in points per game (28.4) while turning wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba into the Offensive Player of the Year and former NFL draft bust Sam Darnold into a Super Bowl champion.

  • On February 9, 2026, Klint Kubiak confirmed he will become the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.
  • The Seahawks won Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Sam Darnold

The Seahawks' starting quarterback who won a Super Bowl with Klint Kubiak as his offensive coordinator.

Klint Kubiak

The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Seahawks, Vikings and Saints.

Jaxson Smith-Njigba

The Seahawks' wide receiver who was named the Offensive Player of the Year in 2025 under Kubiak's coaching.

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What they’re saying

“They're getting a great person, first and foremost. A great offensive mind. And someone who's just very honest. ... He's going to hold everyone to a very high standard.”

— Sam Darnold, Seahawks Quarterback (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The Raiders will look to Kubiak to help turn around their struggling franchise, which finished the 2025 season with a 3-14 record.

The takeaway

Kubiak's hiring by the Raiders represents an opportunity for him to prove his coaching abilities at the head coaching level, with the endorsement of his former quarterback Sam Darnold potentially helping to generate optimism around the new regime in Las Vegas.