Klint Kubiak hiring: Possible assistant coaches for Las Vegas Raiders
A report on Sunday announced that Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is expected to become the Las Vegas Raiders head coach following the Super Bowl this weekend.
Additional statements from Seahawks GM John Schneider and head coach Mike MacDonald indicate what Raiders fans may fear, is not true, and that Kubiak will be coming to Las Vegas. Kubiak will have a short turn around with the Raiders, as free agency is slated to start on March 11th with the tampering period starting on March 9th, a month or so from Kubiak’s official hiring. Additionally, the Raiders will need to quickly put together their new staff, which could include some holdovers from the current Las Vegas Raiders staff. A deep dive into coaches who could follow Kubiak or be retained.
A key note to remember, coaches currently under contract can be blocked for a lateral move (position coach to position coach; coordinator to coordinator, etc) however teams can promote them which will not cause their current team to block the move. Additionally, adding playcalling duties to a coordinator does not count as a promotion, however assistant head coach does count and can be a vital aspect to drawing coaches. Another key note, most staffs like to bring in their own position coaches especially as an offensive coach which can cause a team to move on from current coaches to appeal to other coordinators.
Current Las Vegas Raiders Coaches
Steckel is widely considered among the better TE coaches in the NFL and has a history working as an offensive line coach and run game coordinator with the Chicago Bears along with a history in Tennessee with the Titans as well. A poll of NFL executives by NFL’s Tom Pelisserio listed Steckel among 50 position coaches to watch in coming years for head coach and/or coordinator positions. The 40 year Steckel has seen the development of Chigoziem Okonkwo with the Titans who posted 32 receptions, 450 yards, and 3 TD as a rookie under Steckel. Additionally, Raiders superstar Brock Bowers has posted 176 receptions, 1874 yards, and 12 touchdowns in two seasons under Steckel while former 2nd rounder Michael Mayer has also seen success as an improved blocker and more work in limited receiving opportunities. Notably, Steckel also helped rebound the Raiders TE room early in the season with Albert Okwuegbunam and Carter Runyon seeing 74% of the snaps with Mayer and Bowers both out.
Leonard’s unit saw a down year in 2025, there’s no denying that. The team lacked juice on the interior, Maxx Crosby was injured, and Malcolm Koonce was coming off a torn ACL. That said, Leonard has been a popular name around the NFL and has a career track record of success. The same report mentioning Steckel listed Leonard among the top coaches to watch and the Raiders managed to hold onto him last off-season despite multiple teams attempting to hire Leonard. Leonard has the potential to stay in Las Vegas as the team’s defensive coordinator and interviewed for the position last year as well. A very detailed article depicting the success Leonard has had in his career can be read here. In his first season as run game coordinator, the Raiders were one of two teams to allow just one 100 yard rusher in a game. Additionally, the Raiders finished 6th in EPA vs the run, 8th in DVOA, and 3rd in TFL’s. Additionally, the team defense finished 2nd in average yards/rush, 11th in RB allowed yardage (17th overall), and 12th in yards/game. and As a pass rush unit, the team finished 16th in sacks, 15th in pass rush win rate, 16th in pressure rate, 25th in hits, and 15th in sack rate.
Joe Woods, Pass Game Coordinator/DB Coach
Woods has an extensive background and crossed paths with Kubiak in Denver from 2016-2018 where he served as the DB coach and defensive coordinator. Additionally, the two crossed paths in 2024 with the Saints where Kubiak was the offensive coordinator and Woods the defensive coordinator. The two have a long standing history with each other and that could remain in Las Vegas. The Raiders defensive backs unit, especially cornerbacks where Woods has specialized saw success this season with rookie Darien Porter seeing improvement as the season went on, while former first round CB Eric Stokes enjoyed tremendous success. Woods has a track record of DB development with his time in Denver, San Francisco, Cleveland, and New Orleans showcasing as much along with his stint as the Vikings DB Coach from 2006-2013. As a defensive coordinator, Woood’s units have finished 3rd, 22nd, 17th, 5th, 14th, 13th, and 30th in yards, while finishing 22nd, 13th, 21st, 13th, 20th, 8th, and 19th in points. His defensive units have been widely inconsistent across the board in pass and run units, though Woods would bring experience on that side of the ball as a defensive coordinator or DB coach.
Marcus Robertson, DB Coach
Robertson crossed over with Kubiak with the Saints in 2024, where he served as the teams DB coach. The two also worked together in Denver during the 2017 and 2018 seasons when Kubiak was an assistant coach and Robertson the Broncos DB coach. The Raiders DBs outside of Porter and Stokes, who primarily worked with woods, did struggle this season though safety Jeremy Chinn enjoyed a career season but the rest of the safety unit did struggle. Robertson would likely be more dependent on the new DC then Woods would be, but Robertson does have a strong track record with DB development in Denver, Arizona, and New Orleans seeing 8 All-Pro’s and Pro Bowlers.
Greg Olson, QB Coach/Interim OC
Olson doesn’t have any direct experience working with Klint Kubiak but the 62 year old does have experience running very similar systems to the one that Kubiak will bring into Las Vegas from his time with the Rams (2022), Seahawks (2023), and previously with the Raiders under Jon Gruden. Olson has nearly 30 years of NFL experience and does provide a high end veteran coach on that side of the ball. Olson likely wouldn’t remain as a QB coach or offensive coordinator, but could see a role as a pass game coordinator or senior offensive assistant.
Andy Dickerson, Asst. OL Coach
Dickerson joined the Raiders in 2025 as their assistant OL coach under Pete Carroll and Brennan Carroll, and despite that he does have experience as an NFL offensive line coach working with a wide zone concept from 2022-2024 where he spent time with the Seahawks and Browns. Dickerson ran a wide zone concept in both stops, before joining Las Vegas where the unit completely switched to a different concept. In 2022 his unit finished 15th, 21st in 2023, and 27th in 2024. Dickerson is just 44 years old, does have experience with a similar system as Kubiak and could stay on as an assistant OL coach.
Aden Durde, Defensive Coordinator
The 46 year old Durde received head coach interviews this off-season and could be seeking the opportunity to call plays in Las Vegas. Durde worked as the Cowboys DL coach from 2021-2023 after spending time as the Falcons OLB coach in 2020. The Cowboys saw Micah Parsons win rookie of the year and become a multi time All-Pro under Durde, while Randy Gregory, Dorance Armstrong, and DeMarcus Lawrence also contributed. Additionally, defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa became a standout defensive tackle. Seattle has seen similar defensive line development, and Durde has been vocal on his aggressive approach. Overall, Durde may be tough to draw from Seattle but his ability to call plays and be the lead voice on defense could be appealing, though Seattle will have to let him go.
Janocko was in Minnesota with Kubiak and his dad, Gary, for an extended period of time where Janocko served as an assistant OL coach, WR coach, and QB coach from 2015-2021. Additionally, Janocko spent time with Kubiak in 2024 as the Saints QB coach and now in 2025 as the Seahawks QB coach. With the Saints, QB Derek Carr posted a 68% completion rate, 2145 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 10 games. The Seahawks saw tremendous success in 2025 with QB Sam Darnold tossing 4048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Janocko has experience with Kubiak and the two have a long standing relationship, Janocko could join him in Las Vegas as a QB coach or offensive coordinator role. The 37 year old was also named to the same list as Leonard and Steckel.
Benton has spent time with Kubiak in New Orleans and Seattle and he’s also been an offensive line coach with the Rams, Texans, 49ers, and Jets prior to his last two stops. Benton has nearly 2 decades of NFL experience as an offensive line coach and 9 years as the run game coordinator. Benton has a focus on the wide zone concepts, does a great job teaching fundamentals, and developing young talent. Seattle’s offensive line finished 14th in 2025 and the Saints finished 16th in 2024. Benton has seen five of his units rank inside the top 8 and only 3 in the bottom 10 in his career.
Justin Outten, Run Game Specialist & Asst. OL Coach
Outten spent time with the Broncos in 2022 as their offensive coordinator hiring Kubiak on as his QB coach. Additionally, Kubiak hired Outten as his run game specialist and assistant OL coach in 2025. Outten is just 42 years old, was named to the NFL’s young candidates to watch, and has seen a diverse skillset as a TE coach, offensive coordinator, RB coach, and now assistant OL coach. The 2022 Broncos finished 32nd in offense, but Outten has developed Tyjae Spears, Chig Okonkwo, Josh Whyle, and had a big say in the Seahawks run game this year.
Rick Dennison, Run Game Coordinator & Senior Offensive Advisor
I’d say Dennison is basically a lock to come with Kubiak to Las Vegas unless he intends to retire. The 67 year old worked with Kubiak in Denver (2016), Vikings (2019-2021), Saints (2024), and now the Seahawks in 2025. Dennison likely won’t be a candidate for anything other than his current position as he’s served as an advisor since 2021 but Dennison does have experience as an OL coach and 4 seasons as an offensive coordinator. Dennison has been widely acknowledged as having a top running game this year and his role has been fundamental as well, with praise from Kenneth Walker, Klint Kubiak, and Mike MacDonald.
Karl Scott, DB Coach & Pass Game Coordinator
Scott was named a top position coach to watch for a coordinator role this year and Scott was also a candidate for the Raiders defensive coordinator role last year. The 40 year old is a top position coach and worked as a college position coach from 2008 to 2020 including at Louisiana Tech, Texas Tech, and Alabama. Additionally, Scott got his start as the Vikings DB coach in 2021 seeing key play from Xavier Woods, Harrison Smith, and Patrick Peterson. With Seattle, Tariq Woolen, Michael Jackson, Ryan Neal, Quandre Diggs, Coby Bryant, Nick Emmanwori, Devon Witherspoon, Julian Love, Tre Brown, and Josh Jobe have seen a ton of success and development under Scott with more emphasis on the cornerback position. Scott is an up and coming defensive coach and would likely be a prime candidate to join the Raiders as their defensive coordinator.
Josh Bynes, Asst. Linebacker Coach
The former Ravens star, it’s tough to see Bynes leaving his old defensive coordinator in MacDonald but Bynes has worked as the Seahawks assistant LB coach since 2024. Seattle would be unlikely to lose their current linebacker coaches, and Bynes also listed a young position coach to watch, could be searching for his opportunity to run a position group himself, especially at just 36.
Jeff Howard, Safeties Coach
Howard worked with Kubiak in 2019 along with his time in Seattle now. Additionally, Howard has worked as the Browns DB coach in 2020-2022 seeing development in Denzel Ward, Terrance Mitchell, Greedy Williams, and Greg Newsome. He spent time with the Chargers LB core in 2023 before going to Seattle in 2024 where safeties Coby Bryant, Julian Love, and Nick Emmanwori have become the top safety core in the NFL. Howard is also a candidate to be a potential defensive coordinator for Las Vegas, and at 43 years old, his track record has spoke for itself.
Chandler Whitmer, Indiana Co-OC/QB Coach
The Indiana Co-OC and QB coach is just 34 years old, is viewed as a top upcoming coach in both college and the NFL, and has received NFL looks this off-season. Whitmer has experience in the NFL working with the Chargers from 2021-2023 and Falcons in 2024. Whitmer was brought to Indiana to help develop Fernando Mendoza, and he’s done just that. Mendoza and Whitmer are close friends, and Las Vegas could look to bring a familiar face to help make the transition to the NFL easier.
Eric Studesville, Dolphins Asst. HC/RB Coach
Studesville worked with Kubiak in 2016 before heading to Miami as their RB coach before also making his way up to assistant head coach. Studesville oversaw Jay Ajayi, Kenyan Drake, Devon Achane, and Jaylen Wright. It’s unknown whether new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley will retain Studesville, but the 58 year old could remain in Miami if the fit is right. The Raiders will require a top coach to help develop Ashton Jeanty, and Studesville’s track record does provide that.
Derrick Foster, Cowboys RB Coach
Similar to Janocko, and a few other coaches I will mention, Foster to no surprise was the Saints RB coach in 2024 under Kubiak before taking the Cowboys RB coach position in 2025. The 39 year old was named to the same list as other coaches mentioned above, and Foster has experience between college and the NFL. Under his coaching, Foster has helped develop Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Alvin Kamara, and now Javonte Williams. Foster hasn’t worked with a ton of young talent but his work with veterans does give positive insights into the ability to develop younger talent.
Zach Azzanni, Former Steelers WR Coach
Azzanni is viewed as one of the top receiver coaches in the NFL and is currently available as the Steelers have announced they are parting ways. Kubiak and Azzanni worked together with the Broncos in 2022, where the two worked together closely. Azzanni has helped to develop Emmanuel Sanders, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Jerry Jeudy, Garrett Wilson, George Pickens, and Calvin Austin along with spending one season with DK Metcalf in 2025. Azzanni, just 49 years old, has the experience developing top young talent and could be a lead name to watch for the Raiders WR coach position.
Ben Steele, Former Cardinals TE Coach
Steele is likely out with the Cardinals after the team fired head coach Jonathan Gannon. Steele, just 47 years old, worked with Kubiak in 2021 and 2022 in both Minnesota and Denver. Steele has worked with both offensive lines and tight ends. Steele helped Falcons tight end log 56 receptions, 571 yards, and 6 touchdowns in 2020 before moving around as mentioned above. Since 2023 he’s spent time with the Cardinals as a TE coach where Trey McBride has seen success logging 318 receptions, 3210 yards, 16 touchdowns, and making 2 Pro Bowls and an All-Pro selection in that span. If the Raiders part ways with Luke Steckel, Steele is an ideal candidate to fill his shoes given the experience with Kubiak, developing young tight ends, and an emphasis on blocking at the position.
Chris Hewitt, Colts DB Coach
Hewitt has no connection with Kubiak but has been listed as a potential defensive coordinator name, the Jamaican native worked with the Ravens from 2012-2024 serving as their DB coach from 2012-2019 and 2022-2024. Over that time, Hewitt developed numerous top defensive backs and recently has seen the success of Brandon Stephens, Kyle Hamilton, Chuck Clark, Geno Stone, Marcus Williams, Cam Bynum, Mekhi Blackmon, Nick Cross, Jaylon Jones, and plenty others. Hewitt has experience in the NFL and is a top candidate to keep an eye on this cycle.
Marty Biagi, Notre Dame ST Coordinator
Biagi has no direct correlation with Kubiak, though he’s widely considered the top special teams coach in college football and has received NFL looks this off-season. Biagi has served as the Notre Dame special teams coordinator since 2023 after spending time with a variety of other universities since 2011. Biagi helped runningback Jadarian Price post a career 22 kick returns, 794 yards, and 3 touchdowns while leading the FBS in average yards in two seasons with a career average of 36.1. Additionally, Biagi’s units have a history of generating special teams turnovers, blocked punts (top 3 in CFB since 2023), and he’s called numerous fake punts including a 78 yard touchdown this season. Biagi is likely to become a special teams coordinator in the NFL quickly, and with the Raiders struggles the last 5-6 years dipping into a young, innovative, and upcoming coach isn’t a bad idea.
Marwan Maalouf, Broncos Asst. ST Coordinator
Maalouf was the Vikings special teams coordinator in 2019 and 2020 crossing paths with Kubiak before also crossing paths again in 2024 with the Saints. He’s served as a special teams coach, or assistant, since 2005 with a variety of teams. In his four seasons as a coordinator his units have finished the season ranked 20th, 15th, 6th, and 11th. Maalouf has been a notable special teams coach in his career, and while the Raiders may look elsewhere for a coordinator he could join them as an assistant.
Brian Schneider, Commander Asst. ST Coordinator
Schneider crossed paths with Kubiak in San Francisco for the 2022 season and has previous Raiders ties working as the teams special teams coordinator in 2007 and 2008. The 54 year, old San Diego native, spent 2010-2020 as the Seahawks special teams coordinator where his units finished inside the top ten seven times, with three top three rankings. In 2021, Schneider’s Jaguars ranked 14th. However, Schneider saw a dip in his teams success after the implementation of new special teams rules after spending 2022-2024 with the 49ers having units ranked 14th, 21st, and 31st in that span.
Loren Landow, Notre Dame Head Strength & Performance Coach
AJ Neibel has served as the Raiders head strength and conditioning for the last seven years and the team has also had Deuce Gruden and Rick Slate for 8 seasons. All three have extensive NFL experience and are widely respected by the Raiders players so it’s hard to see the team moving on from them. However, Landow considered one of the top strength and conditioning coaches in college worked with Kubiak, and his father in Denver, and has seen NFL looks this off-season as well.
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