Raiders Expand Head Coaching Search with Offensive Coordinator Interviews

The Las Vegas Raiders continue their pursuit of a new head coach after parting ways with Pete Carroll, setting up interviews with two high-profile offensive coordinators this weekend. Joe Brady of the Buffalo Bills and Klay Kubiak of the San Francisco 49ers are both scheduled to meet with the Raiders on Sunday, immediately following their teams’ Divisional Round playoff games. The interviews reflect Las Vegas’ ongoing strategy to evaluate both established and emerging offensive minds as it looks to revitalize a franchise seeking consistency and identity.

Brady, 36, has served as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator since the end of the 2023 season, following a promotion from quarterbacks coach. Under his guidance, the Bills shifted from a pass-heavy scheme to a more balanced offense that leveraged quarterback Josh Allen’s mobility while incorporating a more effective running game. The adjustment contributed to an 11-6 finish in 2023 and Buffalo’s fourth consecutive AFC East title.

In 2024, Brady’s first full season as offensive coordinator, the Bills achieved a 13-4 record and advanced to the AFC Championship Game. Buffalo ranked fourth in the NFL in both total yards and points scored, led the league in rushing yards, and finished 15th in passing yards. Brady’s “Everybody Eats” philosophy distributed scoring across 13 different players, setting an NFL record and earning him a finalist spot for AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year.

Meanwhile, Klay Kubiak, 37, enters his first season as a full NFL offensive coordinator with the 49ers. Promoted in 2025 after four years on Kyle Shanahan’s staff, Kubiak oversees the offense’s structure and design while Shanahan retains play-calling duties. His combination of NFL experience and football lineage adds intrigue to the Raiders’ search as the team evaluates candidates capable of modernizing its offensive approach.

1. Joe Brady’s Rise in Buffalo

Brady’s path to the Raiders interview has been marked by rapid advancement and measurable success. After beginning as Buffalo’s quarterbacks coach, he earned a promotion to offensive coordinator midseason in 2023 following a 5-5 start and the firing of Ken Dorsey. His philosophy emphasized balance, enabling the Bills to effectively blend the run and pass while maximizing Josh Allen’s dual-threat capabilities. In his first full year at the helm, Brady’s offense ranked among the league’s elite. Buffalo’s ground game led the NFL, while the passing attack remained productive, resulting in 13 different players catching touchdown passes—a league record. The offensive success helped Buffalo secure a deep playoff run, culminating in an AFC Championship appearance in 2024. Brady’s reputation as a coordinator capable of maximizing player talent and scheme flexibility has made him a sought-after candidate. Analysts note his ability to adjust game plans midseason and create opportunities for a wide array of skill players as a key asset for a team looking to reinvent its offense. For the Raiders, Brady represents a candidate with proven NFL success and experience managing a high-powered offense, offering both credibility and potential for long-term development. His interview will provide the franchise a closer look at his philosophy and adaptability under playoff pressure.

2. Klay Kubiak’s Coaching Background

Kubiak’s trajectory is unconventional but noteworthy. Joining the 49ers in 2021 as a defensive quality control coach, he quickly transitioned to offensive roles, including assistant quarterbacks coach and passing game specialist, before being promoted to offensive coordinator in 2025. While Shanahan continues to call plays, Kubiak is credited with organizing the offense and managing overall strategy, demonstrating an ability to contribute at a high level despite a nontraditional path. Before the NFL, Kubiak coached at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Texas, serving as offensive coordinator and later head coach. He compiled a 24-11 record over three seasons and reached the playoffs in each campaign. His early success at the prep level highlights leadership skills and an ability to develop young players. Kubiak also comes from a football family, being the son of Super Bowl-winning coach Gary Kubiak and brother of Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, whom the Raiders previously interviewed. This background adds a pedigree dimension to his candidacy and suggests an ingrained understanding of professional coaching environments. For Las Vegas, Kubiak represents a candidate with developmental experience, innovative thinking, and a connection to established NFL systems. His interview will allow the Raiders to evaluate his readiness to transition into a full-time head coaching role and implement a sustainable offensive identity.

3. Raiders’ Broader Coaching Search

Brady and Kubiak are among a growing list of candidates the Raiders have considered for their head coaching vacancy. The organization has already interviewed or requested discussions with Vance Joseph, Matt Nagy, Ejiro Evero, Jesse Minter, Kevin Stefanski, Jeff Hafley, and multiple assistants from the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos. Most first-round interviews have been conducted virtually, with in-person meetings planned for later stages. Las Vegas is approaching the hiring process with methodical evaluation, seeking a leader who can shape both the offense and broader team culture. Decisions on offensive philosophy, roster management, and adaptability in playoff scenarios will be key criteria as the organization narrows its list. The upcoming interviews with Brady and Kubiak will provide additional insight into their philosophies, leadership styles, and potential fit with the Raiders’ long-term vision. Both coordinators bring unique perspectives—one with established NFL success and the other with a developmental, innovative approach—offering contrasting options for the franchise. Ultimately, the Raiders’ head coaching search reflects a commitment to finding a candidate capable of delivering sustainable results and modernizing the team’s identity in a competitive AFC landscape.