The Las Vegas Raiders’ extensive search for a new head coach appears to be reaching its conclusion. Multiple reports confirmed on January 31, 2026, that the organization is finalizing a deal to hire Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for the top job. This move signals a decisive new direction for the franchise following a season that ended with the No. 1 overall draft pick.
A Process Nearing Its End The Raiders’ pursuit of Kubiak accelerated rapidly this week. The team completed a formal second interview with the 39-year-old coordinator on January 31st. More significantly, owner Mark Davis held a private meeting and dinner with Kubiak later that same evening, a strong indicator that negotiations had moved beyond the preliminary stage. While a contract cannot be officially signed until after Super Bowl LX, due to NFL rules prohibiting the hiring of coaches from playoff teams, all parties are reportedly aligned, and the hire is considered a formality.
Kubiak, the son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak, has quickly risen through the coaching ranks. His work with the Seahawks’ offense, particularly in developing a balanced and efficient attack, caught the eye of the Raiders’ front office. The team’s official “2026 Head Coach Candidate Tracker” was updated on January 31st to reflect the completed second interview, publicly cementing his status as the leading candidate.
Building the Foundation: Jeanty and Cap Space A primary task for the incoming coach will be to maximize the talent on the Raiders’ roster, and the organization has already identified a key building block. Running back Ashton Jeanty, who just completed his rookie season in 2025, is a central figure in the team’s plans. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Jeanty showed flashes of elite potential. Sources within the Raiders indicate a “clear plan” is in place to boost Jeanty’s role and production in the 2026 season, likely making him a focal point of Kubiak’s offensive scheme.
The new head coach will also be handed significant resources to reshape the team. As of January 30, 2026, the Raiders are projected to have approximately $96.8 million in salary cap space for the upcoming offseason. With potential adjustments, that figure could swell to an estimated $115 million, giving the Raiders one of the largest war chests in the league. This financial flexibility will be crucial for addressing roster needs in free agency and supplementing the valuable No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Looking Ahead to the Kubiak Era The hiring of Klint Kubiak represents a shift towards a modern, offensive-minded leadership for the Raiders. His background suggests an offense that values rhythm, play-action, and utilizing versatile weapons—a description that fits Ashton Jeanty perfectly. The combination of a promising young offensive coach, a potential franchise running back entering his second year, and historic cap space creates a wave of optimism in Las Vegas.
The organization is simultaneously laying the groundwork for the future, as evidenced by their featured coverage of the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl on Raiders.com. The scouting department is deeply engaged in evaluating draft prospects, ensuring the new head coach will have a comprehensive talent evaluation report when he officially assumes his duties after the Super Bowl. For the Raiders, the final pieces of their 2026 blueprint are now falling into place.