Raiders Promote Rob Leonard to Defensive Coordinator

The in-house hire aims to keep star player Maxx Crosby in Las Vegas

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:26am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Raiders defensive play, with sharp geometric shapes in the team's colors of silver, black, and red, conveying a sense of strategic innovation and reconfiguration.The Raiders' bold move to promote Rob Leonard as defensive coordinator could reshape the team's defensive identity through a new strategic approach.Las Vegas Today

In a surprising move, the Las Vegas Raiders have named Rob Leonard as their new defensive coordinator, promoting him from within the organization. Leonard, who has been with the Raiders for the past three seasons as the defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator, is seen as a key figure in retaining star defensive end Maxx Crosby due to their strong working relationship.

Why it matters

The decision to promote an internal candidate rather than bringing in an outside hire like the highly speculated Jim Schwartz has sparked debate among fans and analysts. While Leonard's familiarity with the team and players is undeniable, questions remain about whether he can bring the necessary innovation and toughness to elevate the Raiders' defense.

The details

Leonard, who has 16 years of coaching experience including 13 seasons in the NFL, has worked his way up through the ranks with stints with the Giants, Dolphins, and Ravens. His close collaboration with Crosby is seen as a key factor in the Raiders' decision, as they look to retain one of their most dominant defensive players.

  • Leonard has been with the Raiders for the past three seasons.
  • He was recently promoted to defensive coordinator in April 2026.

The players

Rob Leonard

The new defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, who has been with the team for the past three seasons as the defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator.

Maxx Crosby

The star defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, who has developed a strong working relationship with Rob Leonard.

Klint Kubiak

The head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, who made the decision to promote Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator.

Jim Schwartz

A highly speculated candidate for the Raiders' defensive coordinator position, who was passed over in favor of the in-house promotion of Rob Leonard.

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What’s next

The Raiders' decision to promote Rob Leonard will be closely watched as the team looks to improve its defense and retain key players like Maxx Crosby.

The takeaway

The Raiders' decision to promote Rob Leonard as their new defensive coordinator is a bold move that could have significant implications for the team's defensive identity and their ability to retain star players like Maxx Crosby. While Leonard's familiarity with the team is an asset, the success of this decision will ultimately be judged by the Raiders' on-field performance and their ability to build a cohesive and effective defense.