Raiders' Coaches Who Will Define the 2026 Season

While Kubiak and his offensive and defensive coordinators will obviously be crucial to the team's success in 2026 and moving forward, the Raiders' support staff also plays an important role. Several position coaches will orchestrate groups that will define the Silver and Black's success.

Which position coaches may define the season for the Raiders? Let's identify three who have a lot on their plates.

Offensive Line Coach Rick Dennison

There might not be a more important position coach for the Raiders than Dennison.

A four-time Super Bowl champion who has served on several offensive staffs throughout his 30-year coaching career, Dennison has been crucial in developing offensive linemen and creating strong run games. The Raiders will look to dominate the trenches, and Dennison will be tasked with making that happen.

Las Vegas hasn't had a good offensive line or effective run game in a few years, but Dennison has worked with groups with similar talent levels. What he does with this offensive line will be a major X-factor for the season.

Wide Receivers Coach Zach Azzanni

The Raiders have one of the worst wide receiver rooms in the NFL, so it will be up to Azzanni to put them in the best position to succeed.

Las Vegas' WR group isn't untalented; other receiver groups in the NFL are just much better. There are several uncertainties within that room, and Azzanni will be tasked with maximizing each of their skill sets.

If the Raiders' receivers can be serviceable and even above average, Azzanni will have done his job. It would be a bonus if Las Vegas' passing game can make a difference for this team.

Defensive Line Coach Travis Smith

A coach with almost 15 years of experience, Smith will handle the defensive side of the trenches, an area the Raiders must improve drastically.

It's Maxx Crosby off the edge and Adam Butler on the interior, but the Raiders need much more help from other pieces. Smith has the chance to develop some of the young, unproven players on the roster, which would give this defense a major boost.

Figuring out who the Raiders' main contributors will be on the defensive line is Smith's biggest task. If the young players take a step forward, the defensive line could be a force.