Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly closing in on their new head coach, but face a nervous wait before any potential deal can be finalised. Following a dismal 2025 season that saw them miss the playoffs entirely, the Raiders dismissed head coach Pete Carroll and have been conducting an extensive search for his replacement ever since.
From Harbaugh to Kubiak: The Raiders' Coaching Search
As exclusively revealed by The Daily Mail, Brady and the Raiders' initial pursuit centred on John Harbaugh following his departure from the Baltimore Ravens. However, that plan was thwarted when Harbaugh ultimately landed with the New York Giants instead.
Now, according to ESPN, the franchise has shifted its attention to Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The sports network claims the Raiders have scheduled a second interview with the 38-year-old coach over the coming weekend, signalling serious intent.
"His Job to Lose": Inside Sources on the Kubiak Move
One source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN, "It's probably [Kubiak's] job to lose at this stage." This suggests the Raiders' leadership, including influential owner Tom Brady, views Kubiak as the leading candidate to revitalise the struggling franchise.
However, should an agreement be reached, the Raiders will face a significant delay before Kubiak can officially begin his tenure. As he will be on the sidelines for the Seahawks during the Super Bowl, his move to Las Vegas cannot be completed until after the championship game concludes.
Potential Seahawks Staff Exodus to Las Vegas
Further reports indicate that if Kubiak does make the switch to the Raiders, there is a strong likelihood he will bring other key members of the Seahawks coaching staff with him. This could provide valuable continuity and a proven system for the rebuilding Raiders squad.
Interestingly, this would mark the second consecutive former Seattle coach the Raiders have appointed as head coach, following last year's hiring of Pete Carroll. Carroll, who previously won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks and two national titles at USC, signed a three-year deal with Las Vegas before the 2025 season.
The Carroll Era: A Brief and Disappointing Chapter
Carroll's tenure proved disastrous, with the Raiders finishing the year with the worst record in the NFL at 3-14. This dismal performance led to his dismissal on January 5th, prompting the current search for a successor that has unfolded over recent weeks.
Looking Ahead: A New Coach and a Rookie Quarterback
Whoever ultimately becomes the Raiders' next head coach will likely have the opportunity to work with a highly-touted rookie quarterback. Indiana Hoosiers star Fernando Mendoza, who led his team to its first-ever national championship, is expected to be the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Notably, Tom Brady was in Miami to witness Mendoza's championship victory over the Hurricanes, adding intrigue to the Raiders' draft plans. The franchise holds the coveted No. 1 pick as a result of their dreadful season under Carroll, offering a chance to build around a potential franchise quarterback.
The coming days will be crucial as the Raiders aim to secure their preferred candidate and begin a new chapter after a season of profound disappointment.
