Raiders Promote Rob Leonard to Defensive Coordinator Under Kubiak

The Las Vegas Raiders are moving quickly to solidify their coaching staff under Klint Kubiak, with former defensive line coach Rob Leonard expected to be promoted to defensive coordinator. Leonard, who joined the Raiders in 2022, has been a trusted voice among the defensive unit and is particularly close to star edge rusher Maxx Crosby. Retaining Crosby will be a major priority for Las Vegas in the 2026 offseason.

Leonard’s promotion follows a brief but thorough interview process that included consideration of outside candidates such as Jeff Howard of the Seattle Seahawks and DeMarcus Covington of the Green Bay Packers. Kubiak’s choice signals a desire for continuity while emphasizing a strong defensive line foundation. Leonard’s prior experience with teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, and New York Giants demonstrates a broad understanding of NFL defenses.

Once Leonard’s promotion is finalized, Kubiak will turn attention to filling offensive and special teams coordinator roles. Known for his offensive expertise, Kubiak is expected to take his time in hiring for those positions, aiming to match his strategic vision for a franchise that struggled at the line of scrimmage last season. The offensive unit finished last in the league in 2025, creating a critical need for improvement.

The move also marks Leonard as the first Raiders assistant retained by Kubiak. Following a sweeping offseason coaching change that included the firing of former head coach Pete Carroll and the departure of Patrick Graham to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kubiak has signaled an intent to maintain stability among defensive staff while overhauling the offense.

1. Leonard Brings Experience and Player Rapport

Leonard’s promotion reflects both his coaching résumé and his relationships within the Raiders locker room. Having worked in college at NC State and with NFL teams including the Ravens, Dolphins, and Giants, he brings more than a decade of defensive experience. His familiarity with the league and defensive schematics positions him to take on a larger leadership role. Players have responded positively to Leonard’s coaching style. He is known for building strong connections with key contributors like Crosby, which could help Las Vegas retain its premier pass-rusher despite offseason uncertainty. Kubiak’s decision to promote from within highlights the importance of trust and continuity in the early stages of the team’s rebuild. In addition to leading the defensive line, Leonard’s responsibilities will expand to coordinating the full defensive unit. His vision is expected to align closely with Kubiak’s philosophy, balancing aggression with disciplined coverage. This cohesion will be crucial in improving a defense that ranked 25th in points allowed and 14th in scrimmage yards allowed last season. Overall, Leonard’s familiarity with the team and rapport with players make him a logical first choice for Kubiak as he establishes his leadership on the defensive side of the ball.

2. Retaining Key Defensive Staff

Kubiak has also opted to retain Joe Woods as defensive pass-game coordinator, ensuring consistency in the secondary. Woods, 55, joined the Raiders in 2025 as both defensive pass-game coordinator and defensive backs coach. While his precise title in the secondary remains unconfirmed, his retention signals Kubiak’s satisfaction with much of the defensive leadership. The move contrasts with the wholesale changes on offense, which Kubiak clearly sees as the area most in need of reform. By keeping core defensive personnel in place, he creates a foundation for the team while focusing energy on improving offensive efficiency. This stability should help smooth the transition for players adjusting to a new head coach. Defensive leaders like Crosby, who could have requested a trade after a difficult 2025 season, now have continuity in coaching that may encourage them to stay in Las Vegas. By blending new leadership with familiar faces, Kubiak is attempting to maintain balance during a period of significant change for the franchise.

3. Preparing for a Broader Rebuild

While the defense retains continuity, Kubiak faces the challenge of restructuring the Raiders’ offensive identity. Last season’s league-worst performance underscored the need for a strategic rebuild, and the head coach has full authority to guide coordinator selections and roster moves to achieve that goal. Kubiak’s emphasis on careful hiring suggests the Raiders will approach the offseason methodically, avoiding rushed decisions that could disrupt team cohesion. With Leonard and Woods providing a stable defensive backbone, the head coach can focus on integrating new offensive strategies and talent. The combination of retaining proven defensive leaders and taking a deliberate approach to offensive hires indicates a balanced plan for sustainable improvement. Kubiak’s first year will be a critical test of his ability to manage both personnel and culture within the franchise. As the Raiders move forward, the decisions made in the next several months will shape the team’s competitiveness and identity in the NFL for years to come.