The Las Vegas Raiders went 35 days without a head coach, prioritizing due diligence in order to make their decision.
As Owner Mark Davis indicated Tuesday, he relied heavily on General Manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady to find their next head coach. Spytek made it clear from the start of the search he'd remain "open-minded" in identifying candidates, with an emphasis on finding a coach that could "build this the right way" as they enter a rebuild.
With that in mind, the general manager interviewed 15 different candidates for the position which spanned over 22 separate interviews.
Klint Kubiak was one of the few coaches to receive multiple interviews, as the former Seahawks offensive coordinator had Zoom meetings with the Raiders brass before his divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers and Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots. Obviously, the further Kubiak and the Seahawks went in the playoffs, the longer it would take for the Raiders to get him in the building.
But as the old proverb goes – good things come to those who wait.
"We had to be patient," said John Spytek during Kubiak's introductory press conference. "We had to let him go win a Super Bowl, which we were more than willing to do. So, we're super proud of him for accomplishing that, and he stood out with his leadership, with his humility, with his work ethic, with his intelligence. We called many people around the league and got glowing reviews on him too. So, it made it a difficult but easy decision for us, and I'm really proud to welcome him to Raider Nation as a partner.
"There's a lot of great things ahead. He can't wait to get to work."
With Spytek proclaiming it was an "easy decision" to hire Kubiak, his new head coach echoed the same sentiment to explain his decision to leave the Super Bowl champions for Las Vegas. He even went as far to say it was "a no-brainer" considering what the Silver and Black has to offer.
"I think over two separate interviews I just got very comfortable with John and Mr. Davis and the ownership structure," said Klint Kubiak. "And they really didn't have to say much. This is the Raiders. This is one of the most historic franchises in the NFL with a great history that I want to be a part of. I want to be a part of furthering that history. So, I think the Raiders really sold itself, but having those two different interviews and getting more comfortable with the men in the room went a long way."
"The main thing is this is no ordinary job," he added. "This is the Silver and Black. This is the Raiders. This is a historic franchise."
In theory, it made sense for Spytek to turn his attention for Kubiak coming off a exceptional season with the Seahawks. They ranked first in the league in points differential (191) third in points scored (483), sixth in scoring percentage per drive (45.9) and eighth in total yardage (5,973). Additionally, his top receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the league in receiving yards (1,793) while taking home AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.
He'll now be tasked with turning around a Raiders offense that ranked last in the league in points scored and total yardage in 2025. But with 2025 first-rounder Ashton Jeanty and 2024 All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers as attractive pieces in place, Spytek is confident the first-time head coach can surround the duo with enough to succeed.
"It's less about scheme and more about the person," said Spytek on hiring Kubiak. "We were very thoughtful about how we approach this and the kind of coach and man that we were looking for to lead this organization on a day-to-day basis. I mean, he talks to the players every day. The players are the most important part of this organization right now. ... And the fact that he can score a lot of points is awesome too, but we were more focused on the person, the humility, the work ethic, those traits above scheme."
Mark Davis has been familiar with the Kubiak family name for over 40 years now, dating back to Klint's father Gary being the quarterback of the division rival Denver Broncos for nine seasons.
Gary then proceeded to win three Super Bowls as a coach with the AFC West foe, going back-to-back as an offensive coordinator from 1997-1998 and one as a head coach in Super Bowl 50. Taking into account the need to amplify the offense and the Raiders having the No. 1 overall pick in their possession, Davis believes Kubiak is "probably the one that would be the perfect person to take into the future."
"It's great to have that," said Mark Davis on Klint's lineage. "His father has [three] rings and now he's got one on his own. That's really exciting for him."
"There's a lot of impressive things about him, but again it's just his way of being," Davis continued. "I think his family, everything – he's really just a nice, young man. And he's also competitive. As they say, he's a silent assassin. So I think we'll see that and Raider Nation is going to end up loving him."
Kubiak has one more day to bask in the glory of his Super Bowl title, as he flew back to Seattle after his introductory press conference for the Seahawks championship parade Wednesday.
"But he'll be back ready to work Thursday," Spyek confirmed.
Head inside Intermountain Health Performance Center to view photos from Head Coach Klint Kubiak's first full day as a Raider.
Signage welcoming Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumni Jim Plunkett, Charles Woodson, Rich Gannon, Howie Long, Marcus Allen and Mike Haynes pose for a photo before welcoming Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis with alumni Jim Plunkett, Howie Long, Mike Haynes and Marcus Allen before welcoming Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak is welcomed by alumni, players and staff to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak is welcomed by alumni, players and staff to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis welcomes Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Howie Long welcomes Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Jim Plunkett welcomes Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Marcus Allen welcomes Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Rich Gannon welcomes Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak is welcomed by alumni, players and staff to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak is welcomed by alumni, players and staff to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak is welcomed by alumni, players and staff to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) welcomes Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) welcomes Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) welcomes Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) welcomes Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak is welcomed by alumni, players and staff to Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Mike Haynes during Head Coach Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Rich Gannon during Head Coach Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Howie Long during Head Coach Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders alumnus Marcus Allen during Head Coach Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders General Manager John Spytek during Head Coach Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders General Manager John Spytek during Head Coach Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak and General Manager John Spytek during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders General Manager John Spytek during Head Coach Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak, General Manager John Spytek and alumni during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak, General Manager John Spytek and alumni during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders General Manager John Spytek during Head Coach Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) during Head Coach Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during Head Coach Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak during an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak, General Manager John Spytek and alumni pose for a photo following an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak with alumni following an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak's custom jersey following an introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders General Manager John Spytek is interviewed following Head Coach Klint Kubiak's introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak and his children are interviewed following his introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak is interviewed following his introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak is interviewed following his introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak and his family pose for a photo following his introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak in the team room following his introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak in the team room following his introductory press conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center.
