With Spytek proclaiming it was an “easy decision” to hire Kubiak, his new head coach echoed the same sentiment to explain his decision to leave the Super Bowl champions for Las Vegas. He even went as far to say it was “a no-brainer” considering what the Silver and Black has to offer.
“I think over two separate interviews I just got very comfortable with John and Mr. Davis and the ownership structure,” said Klint Kubiak. “And they really didn’t have to say much. This is the Raiders. This is one of the most historic franchises in the NFL with a great history that I want to be a part of. I want to be a part of furthering that history. So, I think the Raiders really sold itself, but having those two different interviews and getting more comfortable with the men in the room went a long way.”
“The main thing is this is no ordinary job,” he added. “This is the Silver and Black. This is the Raiders. This is a historic franchise.”
In theory, it made sense for Spytek to turn his attention for Kubiak coming off a exceptional season with the Seahawks. They ranked first in the league in points differential (191) third in points scored (483), sixth in scoring percentage per drive (45.9) and eighth in total yardage (5,973). Additionally, his top receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the league in receiving yards (1,793) while taking home AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.
He’ll now be tasked with turning around a Raiders offense that ranked last in the league in points scored and total yardage in 2025. But with 2025 first-rounder Ashton Jeanty and 2024 All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers as attractive pieces in place, Spytek is confident the first-time head coach can surround the duo with enough to succeed.
“It’s less about scheme and more about the person,” said Spytek on hiring Kubiak. “We were very thoughtful about how we approach this and the kind of coach and man that we were looking for to lead this organization on a day-to-day basis. I mean, he talks to the players every day. The players are the most important part of this organization right now. … And the fact that he can score a lot of points is awesome too, but we were more focused on the person, the humility, the work ethic, those traits above scheme.”