Raiders Promote Rob Leonard to Defensive Coordinator

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The Las Vegas Raiders have promoted Rob Leonard, their defensive line coach and run game coordinator, to be the team's new defensive coordinator. Leonard has been with the Raiders since 2023 and has worked under three different head coaches. His close relationship with star pass rusher Maxx Crosby is seen as a positive, as the team hopes to retain Crosby who has been wavering about staying on for another Raiders rebuild.

Why it matters

The defensive coordinator position is a key role on the first staff under new head coach Klint Kubiak. Leonard's promotion provides continuity and stability on the defensive side of the ball, which could help the Raiders retain star players like Maxx Crosby who are crucial to the team's success.

The details

Leonard, who played college football at N.C. State, began his NFL coaching career in 2013 as a defensive assistant for the Giants, where he eventually became the assistant defensive line coach under Patrick Graham. Leonard was with the Giants for six seasons before reuniting with Graham in Miami in 2019 and then again in Las Vegas, where Graham was the defensive coordinator the last four seasons. Leonard officially replaces Graham, who is now the defensive coordinator for the Steelers.

• Leonard has been with the Raiders since 2023, working under three different head coaches.

What’s next

With Leonard in the fold, the Raiders will hope that Maxx Crosby will be more inclined to stay with the team as they look to build around their star pass rusher.