The most pressing and dominant story surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason is the search for a new head leader. The process, which began with the firing of Pete Carroll on January 5, 2026, after a single 3-14 season, has taken several unexpected turns in recent days, leaving the franchise at a critical juncture.
The Raiders conducted a thorough initial round of interviews, which led to second meetings with a trio of candidates believed to be front-runners: Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Denver Broncos offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, and former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll. These second interviews took place around January 26, signaling serious interest.
However, the coaching carousel waits for no one. In a rapid one-two punch, the Raiders' search was reshaped over the January 28 weekend. First, candidate Joe Brady, who had just helped guide the Bills to the AFC Championship Game, was hired away to become the new head coach of the Buffalo Bills themselves. Shortly thereafter, news broke that Brian Daboll, who had previous head coaching experience with the Giants, accepted a new role elsewhere, effectively removing him from consideration for the Las Vegas vacancy.
These developments have forced the Raiders' search committee, led by owner Mark Davis and General Manager Tom Telesco, to recalibrate. According to multiple reports on January 28, the focus has now shifted toward two remaining candidates.
Klint Kubiak, the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, has emerged as a strong contender. Kubiak, son of former NFL coach Gary Kubiak, has earned praise for his work with Seattle's offense and brings a pedigree of offensive innovation. His system and ability to develop a quarterback would be a major draw for a Raiders team with a glaring long-term question at that position.
Davis Webb represents a fascinating and less conventional candidate. The former NFL quarterback transitioned quickly into coaching after his playing career ended. In 2025, he served as the offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the division-rival Denver Broncos. While young and inexperienced as a head coach, his recent work with Broncos quarterbacks and his modern approach to the passing game have clearly impressed the Raiders' brass enough to earn a second interview.
The search now appears to be narrowing, with Kubiak and Webb as the primary known figures in the mix. The decision is monumental. The new head coach will inherit a team with the second-most cap space in the NFL ($82.4 million) but also one coming off a 3-14 season with significant roster holes. He will be tasked with establishing a new culture, making a definitive choice at quarterback, and utilizing those ample resources to build a winner in Las Vegas. The coming days are likely to bring clarity to a process that has become the defining narrative of the Raiders' early offseason.