Raiders Add Veteran Joe DeCamillis to Coaching Staff

The Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2026 offseason with a clear focus on building a strong foundation under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak. After winning Super Bowl 60 with the Seattle Seahawks, Kubiak was hired to lead the Raiders, signaling a new chapter for the Silver and Black. His immediate task has been assembling a coaching staff capable of guiding the team to success in his rookie season.

A major move came with the expected hiring of Joe DeCamillis as special teams coordinator, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. DeCamillis brings decades of NFL experience to Las Vegas, offering Kubiak stability in one of the game’s most specialized areas. His addition complements other veteran hires and positions the team to address multiple facets of the game efficiently.

DeCamillis’ career spans more than 30 years, with stops across the NFL including the Broncos, Cowboys, Bears, Jaguars, and Rams. Most recently, he served as special teams coordinator at the University of South Carolina, where he also held the title of associate head coach. Prior to that, he spent time as a special assistant to the head coach at the University of Texas, maintaining a connection to football at both the collegiate and professional levels.

The Raiders’ focus on experienced hires like DeCamillis reflects Kubiak’s strategic approach. As a first-time head coach, he benefits from having trusted veterans handling critical areas, allowing him to focus on broader team management and offensive play-calling. Las Vegas is clearly aiming for a balanced mix of innovation and experience as it builds toward the 2026 season.

1. Special Teams Expertise

Joe DeCamillis’ arrival addresses one of football’s most intricate and high-pressure units. Over three decades in the NFL, he has earned a reputation for turning special teams into a reliable, disciplined phase of the game. Beginning as an assistant with the Denver Broncos, he eventually became a coordinator with the Dallas Cowboys in 2009 and has since held similar positions with multiple franchises. His most recent NFL stint was with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022, after which he transitioned to collegiate coaching roles at Texas and South Carolina. This combination of professional and college experience gives DeCamillis a unique perspective on developing players and systems efficiently, particularly for younger rosters. Kubiak’s decision to hire DeCamillis also mirrors a broader philosophy: surrounding himself with trusted veterans to provide stability. In a first-year head coaching role, having someone with decades of experience running a unit independently allows Kubiak to focus on offensive strategy and overall team management without being bogged down by day-to-day special teams operations. The hire signals a commitment to reducing mistakes in a phase of the game that often decides close contests. With DeCamillis in place, the Raiders can expect disciplined coverage units, reliable return schemes, and enhanced situational awareness, all of which are crucial in Kubiak’s inaugural season.

2. Building a Complete Staff

Las Vegas is not stopping with DeCamillis. The Raiders have also added Mike McCoy as assistant head coach, another experienced NFL veteran who can guide Kubiak through the challenges of a first season. McCoy, most recently interim head coach with the Tennessee Titans in 2025, brings a wealth of knowledge and organizational insight. Defensive coaching is also a priority. The team is expected to hire former defensive line coach Rob Leonard as defensive coordinator, adding another layer of experience and continuity to the staff. These moves collectively indicate that the Raiders are building a framework designed to support a young head coach while maximizing the performance of players across all units. Offensively, Kubiak will call plays himself, but the team still needs an offensive coordinator and several position coaches to round out the roster of assistants. Filling these roles will be crucial in translating Kubiak’s philosophy into game-day success, particularly for a squad eager to return to contention. With the combination of DeCamillis, McCoy, Leonard, and future hires, the Raiders are creating a coaching ecosystem designed for both immediate impact and long-term growth. The staff’s composition blends NFL experience with innovative approaches, giving the Silver and Black a strong foundation for the upcoming season.

3. Preparing for the 2026 Season

As the Raiders finalize their staff, attention will naturally turn to how these coaches translate their expertise onto the field. Special teams, in particular, could become a strength under DeCamillis, while McCoy and Leonard provide veteran guidance in leadership and defensive strategy. Kubiak’s first-year challenges are significant, but the staff’s depth positions Las Vegas to compete in a demanding AFC landscape. Each hire reflects a deliberate strategy to ensure experienced hands are in place to support a rookie head coach while fostering player development. The ongoing roster and coaching additions will likely shape the Raiders’ identity in 2026. Fans and analysts will be watching how effectively the team integrates these hires and whether the combination of youthful leadership and veteran expertise can produce a competitive, disciplined unit. Ultimately, the Raiders’ offseason moves illustrate a commitment to balance: blending championship experience, professional expertise, and innovative leadership to build a team capable of competing for years to come.