The Las Vegas Raiders are set to hire Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their next head coach. Here are some thoughts on the pending hire:
It’s a win:
Kubiak was considered one of the
top available coaches in this cycle and the Raiders targeted him. They got their guy. For a team that has had so much change in its recent history and a team that had to settle for coaches who would take any available job, this is a refreshing change. The Raiders look a lot less desperate than they did a month ago. Now, it’s time for part owner Tom Brady and second-year general manager John Spytek to finally get this program on track with Kubiak and expected No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza. If things are really going to change for the Raiders, it will be because Kubiak and Mendoza a success. The Raiders wanted a young offensive coach such as Ben Johnson or Liam Coen last year and settled for Pete Carroll. They got it done this year with Kubiak and that’s a victory. Now, it’s time to start winning on the field.
Don’t fret about the next week:
I know some (many) Raiders fans will be sweating it out for the next week-plus, waiting for Kubiak and the Seahawks to get through the Super Bowl before this becomes official and there is a press conference. Don’t worry about it. It’s going to get done. It is basically done now. He just has to finish his season. How cool will be it if the Raiders get a coach coming off a Super Bowl ring and a rookie quarterback coming off of a national championship.
Leap of faith by Kubiak:
Kubiak, who will now be with his sixth team in six seasons, could have stayed in Seattle another year and probably have his choice of any job. But he felt good with Brady and the Raiders. He’s showing faith in the Raiders and that’s a good thing.
Impressive season:
Kubiak put up big numbers in his first and only season in Seattle. The Seahawks averaged 28.4 points a game, which third in the NFL. They averaged 351.4 yards a game, which was eighth in the league. They were 10th in rushing yards at 123.3 yards. He’s also been on a heater in the postseason. This is just what the anemic Raiders’ offense needs.
Personality:
Kubiak, 38, is a quiet guy who isn’t big on bluster. He is not the type to win the press conference, but that’s OK I mean, if winning press conferences mattered, Antonio Pierce and Carroll would have been the 1972 Miami Dolphin. Kubiak is a football grinder who is completely focused on the game.
Coaching staff:
Expected a lot of names of potential assistant coaches to come out in the next days and weeks. Rick Dennison could be an offensive coordinator possibility J0hn Benton could be an offensive-line coach candidate. Kubiak could also bring some coaches from Seattle and he could keep some Raiders’ assistant. His most important hire will be at defensive coordinator since he will run the offense. It will be interesting to see where that search goes.
Family ties:
Kubiak’s father, Gary, was a Super Bowl winning head coach with the Denver Broncos and he had a strong relationship with Spytek. That probably didn’t hurt in this process.
Getting some weapons:
In addition to likely getting Mendoza, Kubiak will inherit star tight end Brock Bowers and promising running abck Ashton Jeanty, the team’s last two first-round picks. These are all foundation pieces who fit Kubiak’s scheme. It’s a nice start. Now, the Raiders need to work on that offensive line.
Crosby future:
There have been rumblings on the future of star defensive end Maxx Crosby. He is watching this closely. Perhaps he will be excited about the future with Kubiak and Mendoza. Perhaps he is ready to move on. Maybe the Raiders will listen on offers for Crosby as they shape their future. Whatever happens, Crosby will be a focal point this offseason.
Games on schedule:
Kubiak will surely be looking forward to games against the Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers next season. His brother, Klay, is the 49ers’ offensive coordinator.
