Las Vegas hasn’t been patient with coaches. After five head coaches since 2021, the franchise burned through another one in 2025—Pete Carroll lasted a single 3‑14 season. This offseason, the Raiders lured Klint Kubiak away from Seattle with the promise of full autonomy and resources. The shift from a 74‑year‑old culture‑builder to a 39‑year‑old play‑caller isn’t cosmetic; it marks a philosophical reboot for the Silver & Black. Below is an in‑depth look at why things fell apart under Carroll, what Kubiak brings, how the roster fits, and what fans should expect in 2026.
Carroll’s Brief Tenure: Culture, Familiarity and Stagnation
Roster Moves That Failed
The Raiders hired Pete Carroll in January 2025 and, almost immediately, focused on former Seahawks. They traded a third‑round pick for Geno Smith (35), signed receivers Tyler Lockett and safety Jamal Adams, and hired Chip Kelly as offensive coordinator. The front office hoped that reuniting Carroll with his former quarterback and adding familiar faces would accelerate a rebuild. Instead, it created an aging roster with structural weaknesses.
Quarterback decline: Smith regressed badly, leading the NFL with 17 interceptions and showing tentativeness in the pocket. His completion rate (67.4 %) was respectable but produced only 6.8 yards per attempt and he absorbed 55 sacks behind a porous line.
Offensive line woes: The unit allowed a sack on 10.65 % of dropbacks—the highest rate in the league. Poor protection stifled both the passing game and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty.
“Waste Management Offense”: Las Vegas scored 41 % of its points in the second half when already losing, the second‑highest rate in the NFL. Essentially, the offense piled up garbage‑time yards rather than sustaining drives early.
Lack of explosive plays: The Raiders ranked dead last in both yards per game (245.2 yards) and points per game (14.2). Advanced metrics paint an even bleaker picture: their EPA per play was –0.21 and success rate 37.34 %, both lowest in the league.
Scheme and Philosophy
Carroll historically leaned on a run‑first, Cover‑3 defense. In Seattle, that approach worked with elite talent; in Las Vegas, the personnel was not built to bully opponents. Chip Kelly’s spread concepts never melded with Carroll’s conservative tendencies, leading to disjointed game plans and mid‑season firings of both the special teams and offensive coordinators. The team fired Kelly on Nov. 24, but the offense remained directionless.
Defensively, the Raiders were marginally better—15th in yards allowed—but lacked playmakers beyond edge rusher Maxx Crosby. General manager John Spytek released tackle Christian Wilkins mid‑season and traded receiver Jakobi Meyers, depriving the team of veteran talent. Carroll’s emphasis on loyalty led to over‑reliance on former Seahawks instead of building around promising young Raiders.
Why It Failed
Carroll’s greatest strength—building culture—requires time. Las Vegas gave him none. He was working with a roster designed to win immediately but lacking the trenches to support that plan. The result: a team that could neither protect its quarterback nor generate explosive offense, finishing 3‑14 and earning the No. 1 pick. Ownership and Spytek concluded that the timeline of a 74‑year‑old coach didn’t align with a multi‑year rebuild.
Enter Klint Kubiak: West‑Coast Precision Meets Organizational Alignment
Who Is Klint Kubiak?
Klint Kubiak is best known for being part of the Shanahan coaching tree. He served as pass‑game coordinator with the 49ers (2022–23) and offensive coordinator under Mike Macdonald in Seattle (2025). In Seattle he crafted a balanced attack that mixed wide‑zone runs with layered play‑action; the Seahawks won the Super Bowl in 2025 largely due to their offensive efficiency. At 39, he has worked under coaches like Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, making him comfortable with multiple personnel groupings and motion‑heavy designs.
Philosophical Shift
Offense
Kubiak’s arrival signals a return to West‑Coast principles:
Run first, but creatively. In interviews, he has stressed that success starts “in the trenches”. The Raiders addressed that by signing Tyler Linderbaum, a Pro Bowl center known for his athleticism. They also drafted guard Carlos Rogers and tackle Charles Grant, creating a youthful interior line.
Two‑back backfield. Kubiak loves having multiple backs who can break long runs. He and Spytek drafted Mike Washington Jr. as a complement to Jeanty. Expect more 21 personnel (two backs, one tight end) and split‑zone runs to take advantage of Jeanty’s cutback ability.
Play‑action and bootlegs. With an improved run game, Kubiak will emphasize play‑action, half‑rollouts and quick throws to tight ends. His Seattle offense used motion on over 60 % of plays and ranked top‑five in EPA per play.
Quarterback‑friendly reads. The Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. Kubiak’s offense simplifies reads by cutting the field in half and using layered route concepts—ideal for a rookie quarterback.
Organizational Culture
Kubiak will report directly to Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady. He has praised Mike Macdonald’s collaborative environment and intends to replicate it. Instead of filling the locker room with ex‑Seahawks, Kubiak’s staff includes Andrew Janocko (offensive coordinator) and Rob Leonard (defensive coordinator), coaches with whom he has worked but not merely Seattle transplants. This suggests a more merit‑based rather than nostalgic approach to personnel.
Roster Fit and Projected Roles
Fernando Mendoza (QB): A smart, accurate passer projected to thrive in a timing‑based offense. He’ll operate under center and shotgun, executing play‑action and quick game.
Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. (RBs): Expect a 1‑2 punch with outside zone and duo concepts. Jeanty’s ability as a receiver should shine; he caught 55 passes as a rookie.
Brock Bowers (TE): Kubiak called him “one of the best receivers in the NFL, not just receiving tight ends”. Bowers will be used like George Kittle—inline blocker on outside zones and primary target on play‑action crossers.
Wide receivers: Second‑year players Tre Tucker and Jack Bech along with free‑agent addition Jaken Nailor provide speed but lack a true X receiver. Expect the Raiders to add a big outside target either in free agency or on Day 2 of the draft.
Offensive line: Adding Linderbaum and rookies should lift a unit that ranked last in yards per play. Sack rate should drop from 10.65 % into a more sustainable range (<7 %).
Defense: Rob Leonard promotes continuity; he worked with the Raiders’ defensive line and has strong rapport with Crosby. Expect a shift to more zone‑match coverage and increased blitz rates after ranking near the bottom of the league in pressure rate.
What Fans Should Watch For in 2026
1. Early‑Down Efficiency
Under Carroll, Las Vegas often fell into second‑and‑long situations. With Kubiak’s system, look for increased run rate on early downs followed by play‑action shots. The goal is to improve the success rate from 37.34 % toward league average (around 45 %).
2. Motion and Formation Variation
Seattle’s offense ranked among the league leaders in pre‑snap motion under Kubiak. Fans should watch for receivers and tight ends shifting and orbit‑motioning to create defensive hesitation. Expect more 12 personnel packages featuring both Bowers and second‑year tight end Michael Mayer.
3. Development of Fernando Mendoza
The rookie quarterback’s ability to process quickly and execute bootlegs will determine the offense’s ceiling. Kubiak must balance simplifying reads with expanding the playbook as Mendoza grows.
4. Defensive Flexibility
Rob Leonard inherits a unit that ranked 15th in yards allowed but lacked turnover production. Look for more disguised coverages and simulated pressures to maximize Crosby’s impact without constant double teams.
5. Ownership’s Patience
Mark Davis openly admitted the Raiders hired Kubiak partly because the team holds the No. 1 pick and needs a coach who can “grow with somebody”. Fans should watch whether the organization allows a multi‑year build rather than searching for another quick fix.
How the Raiders Can Improve in 2026
Personnel Upgrades
Wide Receiver: Add a boundary target to complement Tucker’s speed and Bowers’ versatility. A veteran like Tee Higgins (if available) could provide a reliable X receiver.
Offensive Line Depth: Although Linderbaum solidifies the interior, injuries happen. Drafting another versatile lineman or signing a swing tackle is essential.
Defensive Playmakers: Apart from Crosby, the Raiders need a disruptive interior lineman and another corner who can thrive in zone‑match schemes.
Scheme Adjustments
Increase Play‑Action Rate: Kubiak should call play‑action on at least 35 % of pass attempts. It was below 20 % in 2025.
Commit to Wide‑Zone: Emphasize outside‑zone runs to leverage Jeanty’s vision and the athleticism of Linderbaum and Rogers. Pair it with wind‑back “split‑zone” to punish over‑pursuit.
Utilize Bowers as a Mover: Align Bowers in the backfield or as an H‑back to create mismatches. Use him on leak routes after fake blocks.
Defensive Adjustments: Leonard should mix more cover‑2 and cover‑6 looks to protect young corners while still playing fast against the run.
Play‑Design Improvements
Shot Plays off Run Action: Use Yankee concepts (deep post/cross) off max protection to stress safeties. Mendoza has a strong arm; don’t confine him to short throws.
Screen Game: Introduce running back and tight‑end screens to slow down pass rushers. With Jeanty’s receiving ability and the improved interior line, this can be a reliable chain‑mover.
Red‑Zone Creativity: The Raiders ranked 28th in red‑zone TD rate. Use heavy personnel and jet motion to create leverage advantages. Kubiak’s 49ers background suggests creative red‑zone packages, including fullback‑tight end misdirection.
Data Snapshot: Raiders 2025 Offensive Metrics vs. League Rank
Metric (2025) | Value | League Rank |
|---|---|---|
Points per game | 14.2 PPG | 32nd/32 |
Total yards per game | 245.2 YPG | 32nd/32 |
Passing yards per game | 195.0 YPG | 29th |
Rushing yards per game | 77.5 YPG | 32nd |
EPA per play | –0.21 | 32nd |
Success rate | 37.34 % | 32nd |
Sack rate | 10.65 % | Worst in NFL |
Interception rate | 3.16 % | 31st |
Table 2: Key Additions and Expected Roles (2026)
Player/Coach | Role | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
Klint Kubiak (HC) | Head coach/play‑caller | Install West‑Coast offense; emphasis on run‑action; collaborate with front office |
Fernando Mendoza (QB) | Rookie QB (No. 1 pick) | Accurate, smart passer; will operate under center and shotgun; benefits from simplified reads |
Tyler Linderbaum (C) | Center (free‑agent signing) | Athletic anchor; improves run schemes and protection |
Mike Washington Jr. (RB) | Rookie RB | Complement to Jeanty; provides speed and depth |
Andrew Janocko (OC) | Offensive coordinator | Familiar with Kubiak from Minnesota, New Orleans and Seattle; reinforces scheme continuity |
Rob Leonard (DC) | Defensive coordinator | Promoted from within; aims to modernize coverage schemes |
Outlook Beyond 2026
Patience is rare in Las Vegas, but the Raiders’ success hinges on committing to a clear plan. Klint Kubiak offers a modern offensive vision grounded in the Shanahan philosophy. With Fernando Mendoza, Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers and an upgraded line, there is a foundation for sustainable offense. The defense still needs talent, but continuity under Rob Leonard could yield incremental gains.
The key difference between Pete Carroll’s short stint and Kubiak’s potential tenure lies in alignment. Carroll was given an aging roster and unrealistic expectations; Kubiak walks into a rebuild with the draft capital, cap space and organizational support he never had. If ownership remains committed through the growing pains, Raiders fans might finally see a coherent strategy rather than another quick fix.
FAQ
Why did Pete Carroll fail in Las Vegas?
Carroll inherited a barren offensive line and tried to replicate his Seattle success by bringing in aging former players like Geno Smith, Tyler Lockett and Jamal Adams. The offense ranked last in points and yards, and 41 % of the team’s points came in garbage time. The mismatched roster and lack of patience led to a 3‑14 record and his firing after one season.
What is Klint Kubiak’s offensive style?
Kubiak comes from the Shanahan tree. His offense emphasizes an outside‑zone run game, heavy use of pre‑snap motion, layered play‑action and simplified reads for the quarterback. In Seattle he helped lead a balanced offense to a Super Bowl title.
Will Fernando Mendoza start immediately?
Given the Raiders’ resources and the hiring of an offensive‑minded coach, Mendoza is expected to start from Week 1. Kubiak has not committed publicly, but the roster lacks a veteran bridge, and the offense is being tailored to a rookie quarterback.
How long will the rebuild take?
Realistically, the Raiders are at least two years away from contending. Success in 2026 should be measured by improved offensive efficiency (moving from worst to middle of the pack) and the development of Mendoza and the young linemen. A seven‑ to eight‑win season would signal progress.
What happens if 2026 goes poorly?
Another coaching change would set the franchise back further. Spytek and Brady have spoken about building “with alignment”; sticking with Kubiak through early adversity is critical. If progress stalls due to talent deficiencies, expect roster changes rather than another regime overhaul.