Raiders Hire Kubiak, Look to Rebuild Around Young Talent

Las Vegas brings in new head coach to lead team's long-needed overhaul

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders have officially named Klint Kubiak as their new head coach, kicking off what is expected to be a significant rebuilding effort for the struggling franchise. Despite finishing with a dismal 7-27 record over the past two seasons, the Raiders believe they have a solid foundation in place with young talent like tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty. General Manager John Spytek emphasized the need to build a strong roster around those players to help them reach their full potential.

Why it matters

The Raiders' hiring of Kubiak represents a fresh start for the organization after years of failed coaching, draft, and free agency decisions. Kubiak, who was the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks last season, will be tasked with reviving an offense that was "downright putrid" in 2025. His success in unlocking the potential of players like Jeanty will be crucial as the Raiders look to climb out of the NFL's basement.

The details

Kubiak, 39, is taking over a Raiders team that was ranked as the third-worst in the NFL by analyst Eric Edholm. However, the team believes it has a strong foundation in place with young stars like Bowers and Jeanty. The Raiders are also expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the national champion from Indiana, with the first overall pick in the upcoming draft to pair with Kubiak's offensive expertise.

  • The Raiders officially named Klint Kubiak as their new head coach in February 2026.
  • The Raiders finished the 2025 season with a 7-27 record over the past two years.

The players

Klint Kubiak

The 39-year-old is the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, hired to lead the team's rebuilding efforts after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

Brock Bowers

The Raiders' talented young tight end who the team hopes to build around as part of its offensive overhaul.

Ashton Jeanty

The Raiders' 2025 sixth overall draft pick at running back, who the team believes can be a key part of the offense with the right supporting cast.

Fernando Mendoza

The national champion quarterback from Indiana who the Raiders are expected to select with the first overall pick in the upcoming draft to pair with Kubiak's offense.

John Spytek

The Raiders' general manager who emphasized the need to build a strong roster around the team's young talent like Jeanty to help them reach their full potential.

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What they’re saying

“I'm proud of Ashton [Jeanty]. It wasn't an easy season for him. He showed up every day and worked. He showed up every game and competed. He was always available for his teammates. He was an exemplary worker, and we've got to do a better job surrounding him with a lot of players that can help him too.”

— John Spytek, Raiders General Manager (si.com)

“Watching running back win Super Bowl MVP also prompted visions of what Kubiak might be able to do to unlock 2025 sixth overall pick in similar fashion.”

— Eric Edholm, NFL.com Analyst (si.com)

What’s next

The Raiders will look to build out their coaching staff and roster around Kubiak, Bowers, Jeanty, and the expected selection of Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming draft.

The takeaway

The Raiders' hiring of Kubiak represents a critical first step in the team's long-overdue rebuilding process. By focusing on developing their young core of talent like Bowers and Jeanty, the Raiders hope to lay a foundation for sustained success after years of struggles.