Tom Brady's Influence Key in Raiders' Hiring of Klint Kubiak as Head Coach
Tom Brady reportedly had precise criteria for what he was looking for in the Las Vegas Raiders' new head coach: someone just like him. The Raiders officially named Klint Kubiak as their new head coach last week, just hours after he orchestrated a Super Bowl victory for the Seattle Seahawks. It has now been revealed that Brady, who owns a minority stake in the franchise, had an active role in the hiring of Kubiak, being vocal about the qualities he believed the team should be seeking and joining the candidate interviews.
Brady's Qualities Sought in Candidates
According to Sports Illustrated, the Raiders were said to have been looking for someone who was hard-working, who had created a high level of accountability and discipline, and could lead effectively. Many of these qualities mirrored the former quarterback's own characteristics, highlighting Brady's influence in the selection process. Kubiak's commitment to the Seahawks' Super Bowl quest was also believed to have been a significant draw for the decision-makers in Las Vegas.
Kubiak's Dedication During Interviews
During his interview process, Kubiak reportedly made it clear that he felt conflicted about taking time away from Seattle's playoff run to meet with the Raiders brass. In his second, in-person interview, he told the Raiders, I owe everything to these players. All I want is to make sure they get the result they deserve. This upfront dedication to his team is said to have established him as the main contender for the Raiders' head coach position.
The Hiring Committee and Process
Brady formed part of the hiring committee along with SVP of Football Operations and Strategy Mark Thewes, GM John Spytek, Assistant GM Brian Stark, and VP of player personnel Brandon Hunt. They reportedly narrowed down the initial list of 15 candidates to seven following the first round of interviews, which were conducted over Zoom. The process included:
- Now-Ravens coach Jesse Minter, Panthers DC Ejiro Evero, and ex-Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel conducting second interviews in Brady’s Miami neighborhood.
- Broncos OC Davis Webb, ex-Giants coach Brian Daboll, and now-Bills coach Joe Brady traveling to Vegas for interviews.
- The Raiders' hiring panel traveling to Seattle to interview Kubiak while the Seahawks were still in action.
Kubiak's Confirmation and Impact
Kubiak later all but confirmed that he was joining the Black and Silver after helping lead the Seahawks to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. On the field, he told reporters, You guys know I'm going to Las Vegas. I'm fired up about it. Hell yeah, I'm going. The following Monday afternoon, the Raiders officially confirmed the news and shared footage of Kubiak touching down in Nevada on a private jet, just hours after leading the Seahawks to their second-ever Lombardi Trophy.
Kubiak's Coaching Success
In his sole season in Seattle, Kubiak transformed the offense into the NFL's third-highest scoring unit, averaging 28.4 points per game. Under his guidance:
- Quarterback Sam Darnold reached his second Pro Bowl with a career-high 67.7 completion percentage.
- Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba exploded under Kubiak's tutelage, leading the league with 1,793 yards and earning Offensive Player of the Year honors.
The Raiders are banking on that same Midas touch to revitalize a franchise that finished a dismal 2025 campaign at 3-14. Kubiak replaces Pete Carroll in Las Vegas, who departed after a single unsuccessful season at the helm.
