Raiders Aim to Appoint Seahawks’ Klint Kubiak as Head Coach
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly targeting Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for their head coach position. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided this update on Sunday, emphasizing that Kubiak’s appointment cannot be finalized until after the Super Bowl. The Seahawks are set to play the New England Patriots in the championship game.
Klint Kubiak’s Head Coaching Prospects
Kubiak, a 38-year-old native of Houston, Texas, recently completed his second interview with the Raiders. The team had a disappointing record of 3-14 this season and holds the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Offensive Performance Under Kubiak
- Kubiak served as an offensive coordinator for two seasons.
- He was with the New Orleans Saints prior to joining the Seahawks.
- Under Kubiak’s direction, Seattle scored 483 points, ranking third in the NFL.
In stark contrast, the Raiders struggled offensively in the previous season. They scored only 241 points, which was the fewest in the league. This lack of productivity contributed significantly to the departure of head coach Pete Carroll, who was dismissed in January.
Challenges and Expectations
Carroll, the NFL’s oldest head coach at age 74, aimed for immediate results when he signed on with the Raiders. He was tasked with revitalizing a franchise that has experienced considerable turmoil since last appearing in the Super Bowl during the 2002 season. The Raiders have only made the playoffs twice since then, exiting in both wild-card matchups.
Carroll expressed optimism for the Raiders’ future, having brought quarterback Geno Smith with him from Seattle. However, Smith’s performance was disappointing; he led the league with 17 interceptions this past season.
Future Outlook for the Raiders
The Raiders have a significant opportunity for financial flexibility, projected to have over $100 million in cap space according to OverTheCap.com. This abundant cap space could enable the next head coach to revamp the roster effectively.
As the Raiders move forward in their coaching search, Klint Kubiak stands out as a potential solution capable of restoring the team’s offensive prowess. If appointed, he will have the challenge of transforming a roster that has seen better days while capitalizing on the upcoming draft and ample cap space.
