Raiders HC Klint Kubiak Not Planning Defensive Changes

Vegas has allowed 30 or more points in each of the last six games. Even so, major changes on the sidelines are not forthcoming at this point. Rookie head coach Klint Kubiak has offered an endorsement of defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, who is also in his first season with his current title.

“In fact, I see us doing the things we said we’re going to do [but] better,” Kubiak said (via ESPN’s Ryan McFadden). “Stand behind Rob. Stand behind our defensive staff. Stand behind our players. And I think the world wants someone’s head on the platter every time things don’t go right. But the way that I see it is that we brought people here for a reason: to get a job done and develop players for the long haul.”

Indeed, immediate success was not the goal for Kubiak and Co. upon arrival this past offseason. The growth of the Raiders’ new core – headlined, of course, by quarterback Fernando Mendoza – was instead viewed as the priority. That remains the case at this time, but improved play on defense would certainly be welcomed whenever the No. 1 pick takes over starting duties. Vegas currently ranks last in the NFL in both scoring and total defense thanks to the team’s struggles from Week 4 onward.

Leonard began his pro coaching career in 2013 with the Giants. Six years in New York was followed by three seasons on the Dolphins’ staff and one with the Ravens. In 2023, he joined the Raiders as their defensive line coach. Leonard held that position for three years, with run-game coordinator added to his title last season by Pete Carroll. Kubiak explored a number of options outside the organization before ultimately promoting Leonard to the DC gig for 2026.

Things have not gone well so far on the defensive side of the ball, but Leonard and Co. are safe for the time being. The Raiders are not expected to be active with respect to trade additions ahead of today’s deadline, so improvement through the second half of the season will need to come about through the development of in-house players.