Raiders coaching staff takes shape under Klint Kubiak

Defensive coordinator: Rob Leonard

The Raiders announced Sunday that Rob Leonard will serve as defensive coordinator after the club promoted him from run game coordinator and defensive line coach.

Leonard enters his fourth season with the Raiders. He has 16 years of coaching experience, including 13 in the NFL, the team said.

In the release, the Raiders credited last seasons run defense and backfield disruption. The club said Las Vegas finished tied for second in fewest rushing yards allowed per attempt at 3.9. It also ranked third in tackles for loss with 105.

The Raiders also highlighted Maxx Crosby, who made his fifth straight Pro Bowl. The team said Crosby posted 10.0 sacks and 28 tackles for loss, second-most in the NFL.

The club added that Leonard coached productive fronts in 2024 and 2023. It pointed to sack totals and passes defensed from the defensive line during that span.

Assistant head coach: Mike McCoy

The Raiders announced Friday that Mike McCoy will serve as assistant head coach.

McCoy brings 23 years of NFL coaching experience, the team said. He spent four seasons as head coach of the San Diego Chargers from 2013-16. He also worked as offensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos and Arizona Cardinals.

Earlier in his career, McCoy spent nine seasons on the Carolina Panthers offensive staff from 2000-08.

McCoy comes to Las Vegas from the Tennessee Titans. The Raiders said he worked as a senior offensive assistant before the club promoted him to interim head coach for the final 11 games in 2025.

In the release, the Raiders credited McCoy for his work with quarterback Cam Ward. Ward completed 323-of-540 passes for 3,169 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions, the team said.

What it says about the staff build

Taken together, the Raiders’ announcements show Kubiak’s staff being filled out with a quarterbacks coach elevated to coordinator, a defensive assistant promoted from within and a veteran coach added in a senior role.

More additions are still expected as the coaching staff is completed, but the Raiders’ weekend releases established the top of the chart on both sides of the ball and added an experienced assistant head coach to the group.

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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.