Klint Kubiak’s run to the Super Bowl may prove to be a pivotal factor in how the Las Vegas Raiders approach the final stages of their head-coaching search, with the franchise weighing whether to wait on a top candidate or move quickly to secure a hire.
The Raiders are one of just two teams – along with the Arizona Cardinals – that have yet to name a head coach during this hiring cycle.
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Kubiak, the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, is scheduled to meet with both teams on Saturday. However, because Seattle is preparing for the Super Bowl, Kubiak cannot officially sign with either organization until at least Feb. 9.
That delay adds urgency to a Raiders search that has already stretched late into the offseason. While Kubiak has widely been viewed as the frontrunner for the Las Vegas job, he is not the only candidate still under serious consideration.
According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero remains firmly in the mix for the Raiders role.
“Eyes on Klint Kubiak for the Raiders job, but Panthers DC Ejiro Evero is still in the mix there,” Fowler wrote on X. “Some candidates have been eliminated, but he has not. He conveyed detailed QB/offensive plan in an in-person meeting with Raiders. Raiders regime and Evero have Denver ties.”
Kubiak is a hot commodity in this coaching cycle
Kubiak has emerged as one of the league’s fastest-rising coaching candidates after orchestrating one of the NFL’s most productive offenses. Under his direction, the Seahawks averaged 29.2 points per game this season, including the postseason, ranking third in the league.
He also brings familiarity with the Raiders’ front office. General manager John Spytek was part of the Denver Broncos organization when Gary Kubiak – Klint’s father – served as head coach, a connection that has only strengthened Kubiak’s standing in Las Vegas.
Still, with Arizona also pursuing Kubiak and the Super Bowl timeline limiting how quickly a deal can be finalized, the Raiders must decide whether patience is worth the risk.
Ownership, including minority owner Tom Brady, could opt to lock in a candidate sooner rather than wait and potentially lose leverage.
Kubiak has built an extensive rsum since his playing days at Colorado State, coaching at both the NFL and collegiate levels. He previously served as offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 and the New Orleans Saints in 2024, further solidifying his reputation as a quarterback-focused offensive mind.
Most head coaching positions have already been filled
As the Raiders deliberate, most of the league has already filled its vacancies. This cycle’s head-coaching hires include:
- John Harbaugh – New York Giants
- Jesse Minter – Baltimore Ravens
- Kevin Stefanski – Atlanta Falcons
- Robert Saleh – Tennessee Titans
- Joe Brady – Buffalo Bills
- Jeff Hafley – Miami Dolphins
- Mike McCarthy – Pittsburgh Steelers
- Todd Monken – Cleveland Browns
With options narrowing and the Super Bowl looming, Las Vegas now faces a defining decision in its coaching search.
