Klint Kubiak Interviews for Head Coaching Positions
Klint Kubiak, the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, was interviewed on Saturday for the head coaching position with the Las Vegas Raiders. Reports also indicate that he is set to meet Arizona Cardinals officials about their own coaching vacancy. This marks the second round of interviews for Kubiak with both franchises, which are among the last in the NFL without a head coach.
Timing and Implications
If Kubiak reaches an agreement with either team, any announcement would have to wait until after the Super Bowl on February 8, where the Seahawks will face off against the New England Patriots in Santa Clara, California.
Challenges Ahead
Kubiak faces a pivotal decision; he could opt to remain with the Seahawks for another year rather than take on the daunting task of revamping either the Raiders or the Cardinals, both of whom have struggled significantly since 2022. The Raiders, in particular, are rebuilding after a dismal 3-14 season that led to the firing of head coach Pete Carroll. They haven’t won a playoff game since their Super Bowl appearance in 2002 and have only made it to the postseason twice since then, the last being in 2021.
With the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the Raiders intend to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza—who won the Heisman Trophy while leading Indiana to the national championship—and they have nearly $90 million in salary cap space to enhance their roster.
Coaching Instability
The Raiders’ coaching position has become one of instability; they will be on their third head coach in three years. As for the Cardinals, their protracted search for a new coach has stretched nearly four weeks since firing Jonathan Gannon following a poor 3-14 season and a dismal overall record of 15-36 during his tenure. While Arizona has not confirmed any interviews, they have reportedly spoken with several candidates, including Mike LaFleur, Raheem Morris, Anthony Campanile, Vance Joseph, and Ron Rivera. However, Campanile appears to be out of the picture after securing a new contract with the Jaguars.
The Cardinals haven’t made the playoffs since 2021 and have the third overall draft pick. Their roster, particularly the quarterback position, may be in a state of transition. While Kyler Murray, who is under a $230.5 million contract through 2028, had a difficult season plagued by injury, the franchise’s long-term commitment to him remains uncertain after seven seasons.
Kubiak’s Impact on Quarterback Performance
Kubiak’s recent success with quarterback Sam Darnold, who had a standout performance leading the Seahawks to a Super Bowl appearance, has drawn the attention of both potential employers. Originally drafted by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold was considered a bust until Kubiak helped him achieve a remarkable 14-win season in Minnesota during 2024. This achievement, reflected in the current strong showing for Darnold, has likely bolstered Kubiak’s candidacy as he navigates this critical juncture in his coaching career.
Conclusion
As the head coaching carousel spins, both the Raiders and Cardinals seem to be placing their hopes on Kubiak, while the clock ticks down to the Super Bowl and beyond.
