Klint Kubiak has officially taken on the role of head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders, and his immediate priority is to assemble his coaching staff. Despite joining the team later in the offseason, Kubiak is expected to bring in several key figures to support his vision.
One major appointment already confirmed is the hiring of former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Mike McCoy as the assistant head coach. This move was reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. McCoy’s recent experience includes serving as a senior offensive assistant for the Tennessee Titans before briefly becoming the interim head coach after the departure of Brian Callahan. Under McCoy’s stewardship, the Titans finished the season with a troubled 2-9 record.
Raiders fans will remember McCoy’s tenure with the Chargers, where he coached for four seasons but compiled a 27-37 record before his exit. His previous head coaching experience is expected to provide valuable support to Kubiak as he embarks on his inaugural season with the Raiders. A personal connection also exists between Kubiak and McCoy; they share ties from when McCoy played quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 1995, while Kubiak’s father, Gary Kubiak, served as a quarterbacks coach.
Kubiak’s hiring process was notably lengthy, postponed until after the Super Bowl, which presented certain risks. However, Raiders general manager John Spytek expressed pride in Kubiak’s accomplishments and leadership qualities. Speaking during Kubiak’s introductory press conference, Spytek emphasized the importance of patience throughout the selection process. “We had to be patient,” he remarked. “We’re super proud of him for accomplishing that, and he stood out with his leadership, with his humility, with his work ethic, with his intelligence.”
Spytek also highlighted that, while Kubiak is known for his expertise in play design and calling, the Raiders prioritized character traits when choosing their new head coach. “It’s less about scheme and more about the person,” Spytek noted. He underscored the importance of Kubiak’s communication with players and fostering a positive environment, stating, “the players are the most important part of this organization right now.”
As Kubiak sets out to establish his coaching staff and implement his vision, the Raiders organization and its fans can look forward to a promising new chapter imbued with his strong leadership and strategic insights.