{"id":667251,"date":"2026-01-10T22:50:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T22:50:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/667251\/"},"modified":"2026-01-10T22:50:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T22:50:11","slug":"who-are-the-five-best-candidates-for-raiders-head-coaching-job-the-lead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/667251\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Are the Five Best Candidates for Raiders’ Head Coaching Job? \u2013 The Lead"},"content":{"rendered":"

The collapse of the 2025 Las Vegas Raiders illustrates how an organization can fall victim to hiring the wrong coach. Another year in the books as the Raiders move forward with another one -and-done<\/a> hire, parting ways with Pete Carroll.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A 3-14 season shows no improvement from the previous year when former head coach Antonio Pierce<\/a> led a 4-13 NFL team. The Raiders now have an opportunity to start fresh. This will be their fourth head-coaching search since 2021, when former head coach Jon Gruden resigned<\/a> midseason amid an email leak scandal. The organization has gone 31-43 since his departure.<\/p>\n

As minority owner, Tom Brady, along with general manager John Spytek, leads<\/a> the head-coaching search; all options remain on the table.<\/p>\n

Currently, a quarter of NFL teams are in the hunt for a new head coaching hire. January will be a busy month for Las Vegas, as it begins interviewing candidates this week.<\/p>\n

Here are five candidates the Raiders should be in consideration for their next head coach.<\/p>\n

Klint Kubiak (Seattle Seahawks OC)<\/p>\n

Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak<\/a> is a leading head coach candidate and likely to appear on many teams\u2019 wish lists.<\/p>\n

Kubiak, 38, has been a vital piece for Seattle\u2019s offensive resurgence this season. The Seahawks finished 14-3 and secured the No.1 seed in the NFC, producing a top-caliber offensive unit in the NFL. Seattle ranked eighth<\/a> in total offense, averaging 351.4 yards per game, and third in scoring, averaging 28.4 points per game.<\/p>\n

Kubiak\u2019s offensive scheme helped rejuvenate quarterback Sam Darnold<\/a> and played a key role in wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba\u2019s<\/a> standout season in Seattle. Both players received Pro Bowl honors for the 2025 season, and Kubiak boosted his profile by making the most out of his two star players.<\/p>\n

The Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and are expected to select a quarterback to partner with an offensive-minded coaching candidate<\/a>. Given Kubiak\u2019s track record of developing quarterbacks and revitalizing offenses with the Minnesota Vikings<\/a> and New Orleans Saints<\/a>, he is an ideal fit for the Raiders\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n

Kubiak will be a first-time head coach this season if he is hired by an NFL team. His philosophy on building high-scoring, efficient offenses and his experience in quarterback development align with Las Vegas\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n

The Raiders have officially requested an interview with Klint Kubiak regarding their head coaching opening.<\/p>\n

Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak has gotten requests to interview for the Giants, Cardinals, Raiders and Falcons head coaching jobs, per source. His focus is on the playoffs, so he’ll take a day or two and figure out a plan to balance all of it.<\/p>\n

Seattle is on a bye as the NFC’s 1 seed.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Mike LaFleur (Los Angeles Rams OC)<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur<\/a> speaks volumes to what the Raiders envision in a head coach.<\/p>\n

LaFleur, 38, enters his third season coordinating the Rams\u2019 offense at a consistent level. In the 2025 season, Los Angeles ranked first in scoring<\/a>, averaging 30.5 points per game, and in passing yards, averaging 268.1 per game. The Rams were efficient on fourth-down conversions, converting 66.7% of the time.<\/p>\n

Before joining the Rams, Lafleur served as the New York Jets\u2019 offensive coordinator<\/a> for a few seasons and was also the pass game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Lafleur has spent over 10 years in total honing his skills across various pass-game coordinating roles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Rams\u2019 offense under Lafleur ignited a career-high year for aging quarterback Matthew Stafford<\/a> and paired a dynamic duo of wide receivers, Puka Nacua<\/a> and Davante Adams<\/a>. Stafford is currently in the MVP race thanks to Lafleur\u2019s exceptional job coordinating.<\/p>\n

The Raiders are seeking a head coach capable of installing a modern offensive structure to shift adaptability. LaFleur\u2019s work management reflects his ability to develop leadership skills as a potential head coach in the NFL. This move would support the Raiders\u2019 young offense led by Ashton Jeanty<\/a>, Brock Bowers<\/a>, and Jack Bech<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Kevin Stefanski (Cleveland Browns Ex-Head Coach)<\/p>\n

Former Cleveland Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski<\/a>, a two-time coach of the year, is worth considering.<\/p>\n

Stefanski, 43, spent six seasons as the Browns\u2019 head coach, guiding the team to two 11-win seasons. Stefanki is known for his ideology of scheming rushing attacks, and producing one of the better units in the NFL at executing them. The Browns recorded over 6,000 scrimmage yards in four straight seasons<\/a> under Stefanki\u2019s tenure, averaging 139 rushing yards per game in that span.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Stefanski designed run-heavy, balanced offenses in Cleveland that can translate to Las Vegas. Jeanty can develop and reach his full potential under Stefanski\u2019s philosophy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Although instability has been an issue at quarterback in Cleveland, with Baker Mayfield<\/a>, Deshaun Watson<\/a>, and a carousel of others, that can change in Vegas next year. The Raiders open the 2026 NFL Draft with the first-overall pick. The Raiders looking for a quarterback gives Stefanski a chance to establish stability at the position.<\/p>\n

Kevin Stefanski is appealing as a veteran candidate for his offensive-minded coaching. The Raiders have also requested to meet with him regarding their head coaching position.<\/p>\n

The Raiders are interviewing Chiefs OC Matt Nagy, ex-Browns coach Kevin Stefanski and Broncos DC Vance Joseph for their head coaching job today, per sources. Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak interviews tomorrow.<\/p>\n

Vegas met with Broncos QB coach\/PGC Davis Webb yesterday.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills OC)<\/p>\n

Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady<\/a> is also a candidate seeking a head coaching position.<\/p>\n

Brady, 36, has already established himself as one of the NFL\u2019s most effective offensive minds of today. Brady has five years of experience as an offensive coordinator for both the Carolina Panthers<\/a> and Buffalo Bills<\/a>; his coordination has driven the Bills\u2019 offensive success over the last few seasons.<\/p>\n

During quarterback Josh Allen\u2019s MVP season last year, the Bills ranked second in scoring<\/a> at 30.9 points per game. The Bills ranked in the top-10 in several categories<\/a>, including total yards (365.3 per game) and yards per play (6.0) that year. While generating an elite offense that has led them to the postseason every year since 2023, the Bills have thrived on a consistent and explosive offense under Joe Brady.<\/p>\n

Brady\u2019s ability to quickly revitalize and increase volume in an NFL offense has significantly contributed to the Bills\u2019 current position. Most importantly, unlocking Josh Allen\u2019s full potential establishes him as one of the league\u2019s prominent figures.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Raiders are a potential destination for Brady to seek authority and rebuild the franchise through his leadership. Joe Brady qualifies for the next wave of head coaches in the league due to his ability to command a team.<\/p>\n

Chris Shula (Los Angeles Rams DC)<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula<\/a> has steadily worked his way up to show he is potentially qualified to be a head coach of an NFL team.<\/p>\n

Shula, 39, has a deep family history in football. Chris Shula is the grandson of Don Shula<\/a>, who is renowned for transforming the game as an NFL coach with the Miami Dolphins. Chris is still paving his way through the league, creating his own legacy through the Rams organization. Football is embedded in Shula\u2019s DNA, and what he has accomplished in a short time as a coordinator proves just why.<\/p>\n

Since 2017, when Sean McVay<\/a> became the Rams\u2019 head coach, Shula has been part of the McVay coaching tree. Shula progressed primarily as an assistant and linebackers coach, which led to his promotion to defensive coordinator.<\/p>\n

Shula enters his second year as a defensive coordinator for the Rams. In his first season, the Rams\u2019 defense was tied for fifth<\/a> in red-zone efficiency (50%) and sixth in goal-to-go situations (65.5%). Shula\u2019s blueprint also created an improved defense that allowed only 13 rushing touchdowns, including a strong pass rush unit ranked sixth in hurries and tenth in pressure rate in his first year. The defense also recorded 13 interceptions and 38 sacks, demonstrating its effectiveness.<\/p>\n

In 2025, Shula continued to evolve as the Rams\u2019 defensive coordinator. He guided the team from a top-10 defense to a 12-5 season and securing the No. 5 seed in the NFC. The Rams allowed 20.4 points per game, ranking among the top 10 defenses in the league<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Raiders\u2019 Search Is On<\/p>\n

The search continues for the Las Vegas Raiders as numerous candidates begin filling interview slots across the league. This may be the year the organization hires a head coach who can shift the franchise towards long-term success.<\/p>\n