Raiders predicted to hire perfect fit for Fernando Mendoza as next head coach

Things are starting to fall into place for the Las Vegas Raiders.

While they are still looking for a new head coach, Las Vegas is now in line to land the most coveted quarterback in the 2026 NFL draft in Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, who has now officially declared for the draft.

Everything the Raiders do from here on out in free agency, the draft, and even with the hiring of their next head coach should be done with the intention of putting Mendoza in the best possible position to succeed. That's all that matters.

Speaking of the head coach, it stands to reason that the Raiders will be targeting an offensive-minded coach to replace Pete Carroll, and that's exactly the kind of coach For The Win's Cory Woodroof predicts the Raiders will land.

Woodroof projects Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak will be Las Vegas' next head coach.

"Las Vegas feels like his most natural landing spot. The Raiders can install one of the hottest offensive coordinators in the NFL as its next head coach to develop its future quarterback," Woodroof said of Kubiak.

Kubiak is a realistic option for the Raiders.

Not only have they interviewed him, but NFL insider Jordan Schultz has reported Kubiak's name comes up most in discussions about the Raiders' head-coach gig, along with Denver Broncos passing-game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Davis Webb.

“I’ve heard a lot of Klint Kubiak and Davis Webb mentioned here," Schultz said after noting that the Raiders are "believed to be focusing on an offensive-minded head coach to pair with" Mendoza.

In his first year with the Seahawks, Kubiak's offense ranked eighth in total yards per game, third in points, 10th in rushing yards and eighth in passing yards.

His success with the passing attack means he's the right coach for Mendoza, but it's important that Kubiak has overseen a successful rushing attack, also, because a good ground game can take a ton of pressure off a young quarterback.

If the Raiders can pair Kubiak with Mendoza for the long haul, it will have been a successful offseason, even before free agency and the draft happen.

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