Raiders Shock the NFL by Hiring Klint Kubiak – What That Means for 2026! You Won't Believe the Fallout!

The Super Bowl has wrapped up with the Seattle Seahawks emerging victorious, and with it, the NFL's head coaching carousel is winding down. Klint Kubiak, fresh off his championship as the Seahawks' offensive coordinator, is reportedly set to take the helm of the Las Vegas Raiders on a five-year agreement. This appointment marks the Raiders’ third head coach in as many seasons, succeeding Pete Carroll and Antonio Pierce.

In another significant move, the Arizona Cardinals have named Mike LaFleur, the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, as their head coach. LaFleur, brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, will also sign a five-year contract with Arizona. His arrival signals a change in direction for the Cardinals after a three-year tenure under defensive-minded Jonathan Gannon.

The coaching shuffle continues, with former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy set to join John Harbaugh's staff in a similar role for the New York Giants. Meanwhile, Raheem Morris has been hired as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, after his dismissal from the Atlanta Falcons following the 2025-26 season.

Last week, the Cleveland Browns made the decision to hire Todd Monken, former offensive coordinator for the Ravens, as their next head coach. Monken's experience includes a stint at Georgia, where he helped secure two national championships. This hire comes amid a roster renovation aimed at revitalizing a talent-strapped offense.

In a surprising turn, the Buffalo Bills have promoted Joe Brady to head coach after firing Sean McDermott. Brady, who had been serving as the offensive coordinator since November 2023, is now tasked with leading a team that has struggled to reach the Super Bowl despite having a star quarterback in Josh Allen.

Shifts in the AFC include:

• The Tennessee Titans hiring Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator. Daboll, recently let go as the head coach of the Giants, will work under head coach Robert Saleh to develop 2025’s No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers have brought in Mike McCarthy to replace Mike Tomlin, who resigned after the end of the season. McCarthy, a seasoned coach with a Super Bowl ring from his time with the Packers, brings a wealth of experience to the team.

Here's a closer look at some of the biggest coaching hires this cycle:

Coaching Changes in the NFL

Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals

Head coaching record: First-time head coach; previously Rams offensive coordinator (2023-25).

Reason for hire: LaFleur's leadership helped the Rams lead the NFL in total offense with 6,709 yards this season. With the Cardinals struggling and the potential departure of Kyler Murray due to injury, LaFleur faces the challenge of reshaping the offense. Arizona holds the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, a critical juncture that could define the franchise's future.

Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas Raiders

Head coaching record: First-time head coach; previously Seahawks offensive coordinator (2025).

Reason for hire: Kubiak's task will be to energize a lackluster Raiders offense that ranked last in total yards this past season. His successful tenure in Seattle, where he oversaw an eighth-ranked offense, positions him well to develop a young quarterback, likely to be Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, with support from veteran Geno Smith.

Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns

Head coaching record: First-time head coach; previously Ravens offensive coordinator (2023-25).

Reason for hire: Monken's appointment aims to address the Browns' talent deficiencies. With a history of success in college and the NFL, he is expected to revamp an offense that has struggled in recent years, with the need for a strategic overhaul being paramount.

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills

Head coaching record: First-time head coach; previously Bills offensive coordinator (2023-25).

Reason for hire: This promotion raises eyebrows given the Bills' inconsistency under McDermott, yet Brady's reputation as a creative offensive mind may breathe new life into the roster, particularly around star quarterback Josh Allen.

Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers

Head coaching record: 174-112-2 regular season, 11-11 playoffs; five seasons with Dallas Cowboys, thirteen seasons with Green Bay Packers.

Reason for hire: McCarthy's extensive playoff experience and familiarity with high-pressure environments position him as a strong candidate to stabilize a franchise in transition.

The NFL coaching carousel is indicative of a larger trend within the league, where teams are increasingly prioritizing offensive innovation and quarterback development. This cycle has seen franchises searching for fresh perspectives in the wake of their struggles, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of the game. As the draft approaches, the decisions made by newly appointed coaches will not only impact their respective teams but could also reshape the futures of their organizations.