The Las Vegas Raiders promoted defensive line coach Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator on Saturday. Here are some thoughts on the move:
He deserves chance:
Leonard, who has been with the Raiders for three seasons, is a well-respected coach around the NFL and he has had success. He has been an NFL coach for 13 years. He deserves the opportunity. The Raiders reportedly have blocked Leonard, their defensive line coach/run-game coordinator, from going elsewhere in recent years and he they think he will be a coaching star. This is his chance.
Kubiak’s most important hire:
New Raiders’ head coach Klint Kubiak will call the plays on offense. So, the defensive coordinator hire is is most important hire. Kubiak and Leonard will either succeed or fail together.
Need some experience:
Like Kubiak, Leonard has no experience in his new role. I’d expect the Raiders to hire a senior defensive coach (someone with big experience) to hel0p guide Leonard similar to Kubiak brining n former NFL head-coach Mike McCoy as assistant head coach.
Maxx factor:
Leonard, of course, was Maxx Crosby’s direct coach for the past three seasons and they have a good relationship. There is speculation Crosby may asked to be traded. promoting Leonard to defensive coordinator can’t hurt the Raiders’ relationship with Crosby. Still, it would be shortsighted to assume this is the reason why Leonard was promoted. He earned it.
No Schwartz?
There’s been rumors for weeks Kubiak was trying to hire former Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. But the Browns own his rights and it would be difficult, so the Raiders turned to other candidates. I guess there is still hope he could be added to the staff at some point, but don’t count on it.
Other candidates:
Leonard was one of four known candidates for the job. The others were Aubrey Pleasant of the Rams, Jeff Howard of the Seahawks and DeMarcus Covington of the Green Bay Packers. It wouldn’t be shocking if Kubiak hired Howard, Seattle’s safeties coach, as defensive backs coach or linebackers coach. He has held both of those roles in the NFL. Kubiak and Howard coached together in both Minnesota and Seattle.
Looking at Jacksonville:
The Jaguars had instant success with head coach Liam Coen and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile in 2025. Both were in their first years in their roles and both excelled. It’s a good model for the Raiders to follow.
Some good mentors:
Leonard has worked under star defensive coaches Brian Flores, Mike MacDonald and Patrick Graham. He has had some strong mentorship to prepare him for this opportunity.
Free-agents targets?
Leonard has coached free-agent pass-rushers Jaelan Phillips and Odafe Oweh. Both could be Las Vegas targets this offseason regardless if Crosby stays or not.
Retaining staff:
The Raiders are also keeping defensive passing-game coordinator Joe Woods. The chances are solid that they also keep tight ends coach Les Steckel and running backs coach Deland McCullough