Las Vegas Raiders News

Home

Quizzes

Watch

Newsletter

Power Rankings

Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Maxx Crosby praises Klint Kubiak silent tape approach

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 11:02 AM ET

Maxx Crosby’s first public read on Klint Kubiak sounded like cautious buy-in.

Later the same day Kubiak was introduced as the Raiders’ head coach in Henderson on February 10, Crosby used his own platform to describe the new coach as a proven teacher with a track record of bringing out the best in players. Crosby’s comments came on “The Rush With Maxx Crosby,” in the episode titled “Super Bowl LX Reactions, Kenneth Walker Tier 1, Bad Bunny & is Cooper Kupp HOF Worthy?”

“It’s our silent tape,” Kubiak said at his introductory news conference. “It’s nothing that we say, it’s what we do on the field.”

Before he spoke to reporters, Kubiak said he started that morning with Crosby.

“I got to drink a cup of coffee with Maxx this morning,” Kubiak said. “Loved talking ball with him and look forward to continuing those conversations. He was the first one in here this morning working out, so that fired me up.”

“Silent tape” fits Crosby’s identity

Kubiak did not sell a quick fix. He framed winning around effort, physicality and details that show up on tape, not on a podium.

That message fits Crosby, the face of a Raiders defense that has carried long stretches of games without steady help from the offense. If Kubiak can stabilize the Raiders offensively, it changes how often Crosby gets to rush with a lead and close out fourth quarters.

Crosby leaned into the same fundamentals-first idea on the podcast.

“Great coaches teach fundamentals,” Crosby said. “Playing smart football, knowing exactly where to be, technique, your feet, your hands, your eyes, dominating the little things. That’s how you translate to production. It’s not doing all this Superman plays all the time. It doesn’t work like that.”

My Baby.

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
pic.twitter.com/dvO4ZQbK8E
— Maxx Crosby (@CrosbyMaxx) February 9, 2026

Crosby’s praise and the “max out” theme

On the show, Crosby called Kubiak a “well-established coach,” pointing to his football lineage and the systems he has worked in. Crosby also focused on development, saying Kubiak puts players in positions to reach their ceiling.

Crosby referenced what Kubiak did with quarterback Sam Darnold and kept circling back to a phrase that fits his own brand.

Kubiak, Crosby said, has brought out the best in players by helping them “max out” their potential.

Crosby also widened the lens, noting the NFL’s move toward younger, offensive-minded coaches, and he placed Kubiak in that modern trend.

The timeline and the reality check

Crosby also made a point of honesty. Crosby said on the episode he had not talked to Kubiak at that point.

Kubiak’s coffee quote came from the morning of February 10, before he addressed the media, showing the relationship started quickly once Kubiak arrived at the facility.

Raiders stance on Crosby stays clear

Kubiak also addressed the biggest question Raiders fans keep asking whenever Crosby trade chatter pops up.

“We want him to be a part of our success going forward,” Kubiak said. “There’s no doubt about that. He is one of the best players in the NFL, so that’s a no-brainer to get to work with Maxx and to see him continue to have success with this organization.”

That does not end speculation by itself. Still, it sets the tone for a new staff trying to establish credibility in a market that demands proof.

For now, Crosby’s podcast comments and Kubiak’s “silent tape” message point the same way. The Raiders are talking less about fixes and more about standards.

And one of the loudest standards in the building wears No. 98.