Jan. 22, 2026, 5:53 p.m. ET
The Las Vegas Raiders were a disaster last season.
There’s no two ways about it.
After bringing in Tom Brady as a minority team owner and picking up Geno Smith alongside legendary head coach Pete Carroll, team ownership thought they had it made for 2025.
Alas, their all-in attempt busted only after a few short plays, and it was obvious after the first month of the season that the Raiders would once again be languishing outside of the postseason for another woeful campaign.
Now, though, with the No. 1 pick under their belts and the allure of Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza getting even the most pessimistic Raiders fan excited, it seems as if we’re on the cusp of a new era in Vegas.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
As other teams continue to interview and sign coaches, the Raiders are in a unique position where several top candidates are interested in the job due to having that first-overall selection.
Per Kalshi, the prediction website, what was once a two-horse race a week ago has turned into one contender leading for the Raiders head coaching role.
Davis Webb is seen as a Sean McVay-level prospect in the coaching pool, but only 30 and his highest role being offensive pass game coordinator this year with the Broncos, it might be too much too soon for the former college quarterback.
Instead, it appears as if Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is in the perfect spot to get the job. Only 38 himself, Kubiak developed as a pass game coordinator before becoming OC for the Saints last year before helping unlock Sam Darnold in 2025 alongside the rest of the Seahawks coaching staff.
A day ago, Kubiak was a 45% favorite to get the Raiders gig on Kalshi and it has now shot up all the way to 69% with it rising throughout the day.
Kubiak will be coaching the Seahawks this weekend against McVay and the Rams for a ticket to the Super Bowl.