With future Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak focused on calling plays in the Super Bowl, he likely hasn’t had much time to start assembling his coaching staff. That possibly could put him at a disadvantage, but there are still some very good coaches available.
Since Kubiak is likely to call the offensive plays for the Raiders, the defensive coordinator is easily going to be his most important hire. Luckily, one of the best in the business might be available to the team.
It looked like the Cleveland Browns were going to promote defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to head coach, but they decided to hire Todd Monken instead. It doesn’t sound like Schwartz is very happy about getting passed over and is looking for a way out.
He’s still under contract with the Browns, so if he wants to leave for another job, the team has to relieve him of his contract. It’s hard to imagine that Cleveland wants to keep a disgruntled coach on the staff. If they let him walk, the Raiders could be in the mix for him, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
“As for Schwartz, if he’s not back in Cleveland, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Klint Kubiak make a run at landing him, once he coaches his last game as Seahawks OC on Sunday.” Breer wrote.
Schwartz Would Be Huge Hire for Kubiak
What would make life easier for a young, offense-minded coach taking his first head coaching job? Adding one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL, who also has head coaching experience.
The Browns were a mess this season, but still had a top-four defense in yards allowed. Schwartz has consistently been one of the top defensive minds in the NFL. He’d help bring stability to the defense, and Kubiak wouldn’t have to worry about that side of the ball. Plus, star defensive end Maxx Crosby is a big fan of the coach.
Breer Offers More Insight Into Kubiak Hire
Kubiak was considered one of the top head coaching candidates this offseason, but the Raiders’ opening was a bit questionable. The team has been hiring and firing coaches at a faster rate than any other franchise.
Luckily, the Raiders had an in, as general manager John Spytek goes way back with Kubiak’s father and former Denver Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak. Breer gave some insight into the relationship between Spytek and the Kubiak family.
“One interesting element, to me at least, in the Raiders’ expected hire of Kubiak is the relationship GM John Spytek has with Kubiak’s dad, Gary,” Breer wrote. “Spytek and Gary won a Super Bowl in their only year working together, 2015, and the coach and personnel man have seen their bond grow since, with Spytek counseling Kubiak over the years.
“Now, Gary and Klint Kubiak are two different people. But there are enough similarities there to see where the son’s demeanor would work for what Spytek is trying to build the same way his dad’s did for the Broncos a decade ago.”
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