The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to add a significant piece to new head coach Klint Kubiak's inaugural coaching staff by hiring a seasoned veteran to lead a crucial phase of the game. According to multiple reports, including those from CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz and Yahoo Sports, the Raiders are set to hire Joe DeCamillis as their new special teams coordinator.
This move signals a clear intent from Kubiak and the Raiders' front office to solidify a unit that has been inconsistent in recent seasons. DeCamillis brings a staggering 31 years of NFL coaching experience and the pedigree of two Super Bowl championships to the Silver and Black. Currently serving as associate head coach and special teams coordinator at the University of South Carolina, his anticipated hiring represents a major commitment to improving the Raiders' special teams and providing immediate stability and expertise to Kubiak's new regime.
A Career Defined by Excellence and Longevity
Joe DeCamillis is not just another coach; he is an institution within NFL special teams circles. His NFL career began as a training camp intern with the Denver Broncos in 1988, and he joined the league full-time with the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. Since then, his resume reads like a tour of the NFL, with coordinating stops at the Jacksonville Jaguars (2007-2008), Dallas Cowboys (2009-2012), Chicago Bears (2013-2014), Denver Broncos (2015-2016), and Miami Dolphins (2019). He also served as an assistant special teams coach for the New York Giants in 2018.
His two Super Bowl rings were earned in distinct roles. DeCamillis coordinated the Denver Broncos' special teams during their dominant Super Bowl 50 victory, anchored by an elite defense led by Von Miller. Later, as an assistant special teams coach for the New York Giants, he contributed to their surprise playoff run culminating in a Super Bowl XLVI title. This breadth of experience--from leading units to serving as a key assistant on championship teams--gives him a unique and comprehensive perspective on winning at the highest level.
Beyond his accolades, DeCamillis is renowned for meticulous preparation, fiery passion, and talent development. His units are typically well-drilled, disciplined, and opportunistic. He has coached some of the league's best specialists, including kicker Jason Elam and punter Matt Prater. His tenure in Dallas was notable for the rise of kicker Dan Bailey into one of the NFL's most accurate specialists. For a Raiders team that has cycled through kickers and struggled with coverage consistency, DeCamillis's proven track record of stability is arguably his most valuable asset.
Addressing a Persistent Raiders Need
The Raiders' special teams performance has been a source of frustration for years. While there have been bright spots -- such as the electric return ability of wide receiver DeAndre Carter in recent seasons -- the overall unit has lacked the consistent reliability required of a playoff contender. Issues with field goal kicking, punt coverage, and penalties on special teams too often undermined the efforts of the offense and defense.
The 2025 season underscored these problems. Inconsistent kicker performance led to missed scoring opportunities and shaky field position. Coverage units ranked in the lower half of the league in several key special teams metrics, surrendering costly returns that shifted momentum in opponents' favor. For a team looking to take the next step under offensive-minded Head Coach Klint Kubiak, overhauling the "third phase" of the game is non-negotiable. A high-powered offense cannot be stymied by poor field position, nor can a defense overcome erased stops due to special teams penalties.
Hiring DeCamillis is a direct and measured response to this need. He is not an inexperienced coach learning on the job; he is a polished expert with a blueprint for success. His hiring suggests that General Manager John Spytek and Coach Kubiak value proven NFL experience as they assemble their staff, opting for a coordinator who can walk into the facility and command respect immediately due to his extensive résumé.
The Klint Kubiak Connection and Staff Building
While DeCamillis and Kubiak do not share a long, direct coaching history, their paths have crossed in the NFL coaching ecosystem. Kubiak, taking on his first head coaching role, is assembling a staff of experienced coordinators who bring expertise and autonomy to their units. The reported hires of veteran defensive coordinator Jim Harbaugh and now DeCamillis continue this trend.
A head coach's first staff is a reflection of his philosophy and priorities. By targeting a special teams coordinator of DeCamillis's caliber, Kubiak demonstrates that every play--from an extra point attempt to a punt return--is important. This holistic approach to team building recognizes that games are often decided across all three phases. DeCamillis will be empowered to install his system, evaluate existing specialists, including kickers Daniel Carlson and AJ Cole if retained, and demand a higher standard of performance.
Furthermore, DeCamillis's recent college coaching experience at South Carolina might provide fresh perspectives aligned with evolving special teams strategies. The college game has adapted with new kickoff and return rules, and his experience in recruiting and developing younger players could benefit the Raiders as they seek to build through the draft and develop undrafted free agents, many of whom earn their roster spots on special teams.
What This Means for the 2026 Raiders
With Joe DeCamillis officially joining the staff, the immediate impact will be cultural. The expectations for the special teams unit will be elevated instantly. Players will be held to the professional standards that have helped DeCamillis win championships. For veterans, it's an opportunity to refine their skills under a coach with a proven winning pedigree. For young players and hopefuls, it is a clear path to making the roster by excelling on special teams.
Tactically, fans can anticipate a more aggressive, fundamentally sound unit. DeCamillis is known for designing inventive punt block schemes and dynamic return packages. Discipline in coverage lanes and tackling fundamentals will be relentlessly emphasized. The kicker and punter positions--which traditionally face intense scrutiny in Las Vegas--will receive dedicated coaching aimed at maximizing consistency and mental resilience.
Ultimately, this hire signals a commitment to addressing weaknesses. The Raiders believe they have the offensive architect in Klint Kubiak to score points and have assembled a defensive staff to get critical stops. Now, with Joe DeCamillis on board, they are taking a crucial step to ensure the special teams unit evolves from a liability into a dependable weapon and key pillar of strength. In the ultra-competitive AFC West, where games can be decided by a single play, dominance in field position and minimizing costly mistakes on special teams could distinguish a playoff contender from a middling team.
The addition of Joe DeCamillis is more than filling a coaching vacancy; it's a statement of intent from the Raiders' leadership. They are investing in proven winners to fix known challenges, building not just for rebuilding but for a run at returning to the postseason.