The Las Vegas Raiders are set to meet with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for a second interview this weekend, a source confirmed. The meeting comes as the team’s head coaching search appears to be narrowing.
Kubiak, 38, was among the first candidates the Raiders interviewed virtually when the search began. He is also expected to interview again with the Arizona Cardinals, who along with the Raiders are the only teams with remaining head coaching vacancies.
The Raiders’ pool of candidates shrank this week when Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Davis Webb withdrew his name from consideration, according to reports. Webb had already completed a second interview with Las Vegas.
Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who has also had a second interview with the Raiders and has not taken another job, could see renewed interest.
Kubiak, however, remains the primary focus of the Raiders’ search, though the team may face competition. The Seahawks are also expected to push to retain him as offensive coordinator.
By NFL rules, Kubiak can participate in second interviews through Sunday. He can agree to terms before Seattle plays the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 8, but cannot sign a contract or have an announcement made until after the game.
In his one season as Seahawks offensive coordinator, Kubiak led a unit that ranked sixth in yards per game and seventh in passing yards with quarterback Sam Darnold. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady praised Kubiak during Fox’s broadcast of the NFC championship game, saying, “Kubiak designed some great plays, getting his guys open.”
Kubiak has previously been offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings, and passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers and Broncos. He is the oldest son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak and has had five different jobs in the last five seasons.
Meanwhile, Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is interviewing with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday and is considered the leading candidate to become their defensive coordinator under new head coach Mike McCarthy. Graham did not receive a head coaching interview with the Raiders this cycle.
