Feb. 13, 2026, 6:01 a.m. PT
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak made an interesting hire on Thursday. It was announced that Kubiak has appointed Mike McCoy as his assistant head coach. That could be a great hire for the Raiders as they prepare to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL draft.
McCoy adds much-needed experience to Kubiak’s staff. He’s an offensive-minded veteran leader who spent four seasons (2013-16) as the Los Angeles Chargers’ head coach. This past year, McCoy began the season as a senior offensive assistant for the Tennessee Titans, but was named interim head coach (ironically after a Week 6 loss to the Raiders).
McCoy did good work with No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward last season. Ward undeniably improved as the campaign progressed forward. The Titans averaged 22.3 points per contest from Week 12 to 17, scoring 24-plus points in five of those six contests against tough defenses like the Seahawks, Saints, and 49ers.
McCoy’s work with Ward is positive news for the Raiders and Mendoza. McCoy previously worked with Peyton Manning in Denver and Phillip Rivers in Los Angeles. His resume is pretty impressive when it comes to quarterbacks. Mendoza will be the latest.
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