The Las Vegas Raiders have interviewed or requested interviews with 12 candidates since parting ways with Pete Carroll, and the search is far from over. While no clear favorite has emerged, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has drawn significant interest — not just from the Raiders but from multiple teams seeking a head coach.
Kubiak’s work this season with quarterback Sam Darnold helped the Seahawks finish with the NFL’s third-best offense. His subdued personality has been raised as a potential concern, but similar questions were asked about Ben Johnson last year before he took over the Chicago Bears and proved his charisma.
“The work Kubiak did this season with quarterback Sam Darnold and how the Seahawks finished with the third-best offense in the NFL speaks volumes about his talent,” said Vincent Bonsignore, the former Raiders beat writer.
Meanwhile, the Raiders have not yet requested interviews with Robert Saleh or Brian Flores, despite reported interest. Bonsignore noted several possibilities: the interest may have been exaggerated, the coaches may have indicated no mutual interest, or the team may be prioritizing other candidates first.
Regarding the Christian Wilkins grievance, a hearing is expected in the spring. Wilkins filed a grievance after his release, and the outcome is uncertain without full details on what precipitated his departure.
Former Raiders CEO Amy Trask recently mentioned sportscaster Jim Gray as having influence within the organization. Gray is a longtime friend of owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady, but Bonsignore downplayed his power: “Any notion that Gray holds significant power is exaggerated.”
As for the next head coach’s staff, the Raiders will not force coordinators on the hire, but they are likely to be interested in a young candidate’s plan to surround himself with experienced assistants.
