The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to hire Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their next head coach, sources confirmed, though the deal cannot be finalized until after the Super Bowl. The decision caps an extensive search led by general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady that was marked by secrecy and few leaks.

Kubiak, who just completed a standout season as Seattle’s offensive coordinator, comes from a well-known football family and has been groomed for this opportunity. The Raiders’ search process drew praise for its thoroughness, a stark contrast to previous coaching searches that were often chaotic and leak-prone.

While Kubiak is regarded as a brilliant offensive mind, the central question is whether his skills as a coordinator will translate to success as a head coach. History is littered with examples of top coordinators who struggled in the top job, and there is no reliable formula to predict which ones will thrive.

Despite some initial internal hesitation about hiring a first-time head coach, the organization ultimately deemed Kubiak worth the risk. The B+ grade reflects confidence in his potential but acknowledges the inherent uncertainty.