The “Las Vegas Raiders have zero competition for Klint Kubiak” framing is comforting. It is also a leverage trap.
Competition is not just other teams. It is Kubiak’s willingness to say yes. It is his comfort with the Raiders’ power structure. Or, it is his ability to wait. Even if no other franchise is pushing hardest, the candidate still holds the veto.
The “they must already have a verbal agreement” logic also overreaches. A team can feel confident. Confidence is not a contract. “Close” is not “done,” especially when postseason timing limits what can be finalized.
Related: Raiders fans are not used to this stoic offseason approach
The Raiders are set to interview Klint Kubiak again…
A second interview that’s been scheduled is significant. The use of this word suggests a sense of urgency, indicating that the conversation has moved beyond the initial stage of designing the play. Here, teams dissect the staff’s hierarchy, the chain of command, the day-to-day operations, and a quarterback development strategy designed for longevity.
The bigger risk for Las Vegas is choosing a worse option. It is process drift when the search shifts from building an operation to landing a name. Who owns the offense and who runs the week? Also, who is accountable for the quarterback’s development across coaching, training and the players’ work? When the season turns, who decides what is acceptable?
If Tom Brady and John Spytek believe Kubiak is the best choice, the focus will be on how well he performs. Finalize the agreement, establish the staffing plan, and ensure the next quarterback is protected from starting over again. If Kubiak doesn’t fully commit, discipline will suffer. Adapt quickly, but don’t compromise on the essentials.
The question to consider is whether the Raiders’ hiring of a head coach was a strategic move or if they simply brought in a play-caller and expected everything else to fall into place.
*Top Photo: Getty Images