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Raiders Bet Big on Kubiak and Mendoza to Revive Franchise
Las Vegas Raiders aim to end 23-year playoff drought with new head coach and top draft pick
Feb. 24, 2026 at 7:40pm
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The Las Vegas Raiders are embarking on a significant franchise reset, pinning their hopes on a new head coach, Klint Kubiak, and the widely expected arrival of Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, Indiana's Fernando Mendoza. This pairing represents a bold attempt to rebrand a team that has struggled to locate consistent success, with the ultimate goal of ending a 23-year playoff victory drought.
Why it matters
The Raiders' new leadership duo of Kubiak and Mendoza is seen as crucial to turning around the franchise's fortunes after years of underperformance. With significant financial flexibility and a commitment to building around their young quarterback, the Raiders are betting big on this reset to end their long playoff drought and become a contender in the AFC.
The details
Klint Kubiak, fresh off a Super Bowl victory, inherits a Raiders team coming off a disappointing three-win season. All indications point to Mendoza being the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. The synergy between a young, dynamic quarterback and an offensive-minded head coach is central to the Raiders' strategy. General Manager John Spytek emphasized the qualities they seek in a franchise quarterback: leadership, toughness, a passion for the game, and meticulous preparation.
- The Raiders will have their first in-depth interactions with Mendoza this week, including 18-minute interviews and an official visit.
- The Raiders currently possess the second-most available cap space in the NFL, providing them with significant financial flexibility to bolster the roster in free agency.
The players
Klint Kubiak
The new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, fresh off a Super Bowl victory, who is tasked with turning around the franchise.
Fernando Mendoza
The Heisman Trophy winner and national champion from Indiana, who is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft and the Raiders' new starting quarterback.
John Spytek
The general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders, who has emphasized the key qualities they are seeking in a franchise quarterback, drawing on his experience with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay.
Maxx Crosby
The All-Pro edge rusher for the Las Vegas Raiders, whom the team is committed to retaining as they build a competitive team around him.
What they’re saying
“A leader, tough as hell, somebody that loves to play football, a maniacal preparer…a selfless person.”
— John Spytek, General Manager (newsy-today.com)
“Our job in the personnel department is to give Klint as many good players as One can, that fit his vision and scheme.”
— John Spytek, General Manager (newsy-today.com)
What’s next
The Raiders will have their first in-depth interactions with Mendoza this week, including 18-minute interviews and an official visit.
The takeaway
The Raiders' new leadership duo of Kubiak and Mendoza represents a bold attempt to revive the franchise and end their long playoff drought. With significant financial flexibility and a commitment to building around their young quarterback, the Raiders are betting big on this reset to become a contender in the AFC once again.
