Home / Sports / Raiders Tap Kubiak, Cousins for 2026 Resurgence
Raiders Tap Kubiak, Cousins for 2026 Resurgence
3 Sep
Summary
- Raiders hired Klint Kubiak as head coach and Andrew Janocko as offensive coordinator.
- Kirk Cousins signed to start, with No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza expected to play.
- Team aims to improve offense and defense with key signings and returning stars.
Following a disappointing 3-14 season and the dismissal of Pete Carroll, the Las Vegas Raiders are ushering in a new era for 2026. The franchise has appointed Klint Kubiak as its new head coach, with Andrew Janocko taking the offensive coordinator role. Kubiak joins after a Super Bowl-winning tenure as the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator.
The quarterback position saw a significant overhaul, with Geno Smith traded back to the Jets. The Raiders subsequently signed Kirk Cousins, reuniting him with Kubiak and Janocko. In a pivotal move, Las Vegas secured the No. 1 overall draft pick, selecting Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, who led Indiana to a national championship.
Kirk Cousins is expected to be the Week 1 starter, though the highly touted Mendoza is anticipated to see playing time during the season. The team also made efforts to strengthen the offensive line, acquiring center Tyler Linderbaum and guard Spencer Burford. Star players like running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers return to support the offense.
Defensively, Maxx Crosby continues to anchor the unit, recording 10 sacks in 2025. The Raiders have bolstered their defensive front by re-signing Malcolm Koonce and adding Kwity Paye, Quay Walker, Nakobe Dean, and Taron Johnson to complement Crosby.
The Raiders' 2026 schedule features no early primetime games, with all but the Week 18 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs set for Sunday afternoons on CBS and Fox. The team's viewing options include traditional pay TV, streaming services like Fubo and YouTube TV, and over-the-air antennas for local broadcasts.
