Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium features a subplot with deep ties to the Las Vegas Raiders: Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who is expected to become the Raiders’ next head coach after the game, faces Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the former Raiders head coach.

Both coordinators were finalists for NFL assistant coach of the year, an award that went to McDaniels on Thursday night. But the real test comes Sunday when their offenses face two of the league’s best defenses.

McDaniels has revived his career in New England, guiding quarterback Drake Maye to an MVP finalist season in just his second year. Maye has thrived in McDaniels’ system built on short and intermediate routes. However, the Patriots will face a Seahawks defense that recorded 47 sacks and excels at clogging running lanes, potentially forcing New England into third-and-long situations.

On the other side, Kubiak has helped veteran quarterback Sam Darnold continue his resurgence, though Darnold led the league in turnovers. The Seahawks’ offense relies on play-action and deep shots, with Kubiak known for creative calls in key moments. Expect running back Kenneth Walker III to be heavily involved early after a stellar postseason.

The two coordinators differ in their run schemes: McDaniels prefers a gap-blocking approach, while Kubiak uses zone blocking. For Raiders fans, Sunday offers a preview of their future offensive identity under Kubiak, a contrast to the McDaniels era that ended in disappointment.

“I can’t wait for Sunday,” Kubiak said this week, deflecting attention from his impending contract with Las Vegas.

The Patriots defense has forced eight turnovers and allowed fewer than nine points per game in the postseason, presenting a stiff challenge for Kubiak’s unit. Meanwhile, Seattle’s defense will test whether McDaniels can maintain offensive consistency against a top-tier front.