The Las Vegas Raiders have completed a whirlwind first week of interviews for their head coaching vacancy, speaking with five candidates over three days after parting ways with Pete Carroll on Monday. The search, which began with Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb on Wednesday, continued Thursday with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak rounded out the initial round on Friday.
The Raiders plan to conduct additional interviews next week before deciding on second-round candidates. Here is an evaluation of each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses.
Davis Webb
Pros: At 30, Webb is widely regarded in NFL circles as a rising offensive mind, innovative thinker, and skilled teacher. Many see him as a future head coach who simply needs more experience.
Cons: His three years on the coaching staff—without ever serving as a coordinator—make a direct jump to head coach a significant gamble.
Kevin Stefanski
Pros: The 43-year-old led Cleveland to two playoff appearances and a postseason win despite organizational dysfunction and a meddling owner who forced quarterback changes against his wishes. He is considered a composed, intelligent leader well-suited to develop a young quarterback.
Cons: His calm demeanor has been criticized as insufficiently inspirational, particularly in Cleveland where a stronger voice was needed to push the team beyond its limitations.
Vance Joseph
Pros: Joseph, 53, is a proven defensive strategist with strong personnel and schematic acumen. The Broncos boasted the NFL’s top-ranked defense this season.
Cons: His previous head-coaching stint with the Broncos yielded little progress, raising questions about whether he is better suited as a coordinator.
Matt Nagy
Pros: Nagy, 47, guided the Chicago Bears to two playoff appearances in four seasons with limited quarterback talent, notably getting the most out of Mitch Trubisky.
Cons: Chicago’s offense regressed under Nagy, and he struggled with time management and developing Justin Fields. The Raiders must weigh whether he has learned from those mistakes.
Klint Kubiak
Pros: Kubiak, 38, has drawn praise for his scheme and innovation, building a top-three offense in Seattle and maximizing quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance.
Cons: Despite his creativity, concerns persist about his flat personality and whether he can command a locker room and lead a team effectively.
