Tom Brady had a clear vision for the ideal candidate to lead the Las Vegas Raiders as their new head coach: someone who mirrored his own attributes.
Just last week, the Raiders announced Klint Kubiak as their head coach, following his role in guiding the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl win.
It has come to light that Brady, holding a minority ownership in the team, played a significant part in the decision-making process. He not only expressed the traits the team should prioritize but also participated in the interviews with prospective candidates.
Interestingly, many of the attributes Brady advocated for were reflective of his own career ethos.
According to Sports Illustrated, the Raiders sought someone who epitomized hard work, accountability, discipline, and leadership.
Kubiak’s dedication to the Seahawks’ championship journey was reportedly a significant factor that impressed the decision-makers in Las Vegas.
The Raiders were reportedly looking for Tom Brady’s (L) qualities when hiring Klint Kubiak (R)
He reportedly made it clear throughout his interview process that he felt conflicted about taking time away from Seattle’s playoff run to sit down with the Raiders brass.
During his second interview, in person, he reportedly told the Raiders, ‘I owe everything to these players. All I want is to make sure they get the result they deserve.’
That upfront dedication to his team is said to have established him as the main contender for the Raiders’ head coach job.
Brady formed part of the hiring committee along with SVP of Football Operations and Strategy Mark Thewes, GM John Spytek, Assistant GM Brian Stark and VP of player personnel Brandon Hunt.
They reportedly narrowed down the initial list of 15 candidates to seven following the first round of interviews, which were conducted over Zoom.
Now-Ravens coach Jesse Minter, Panthers DC Ejiro Evero and ex-Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel did second interviews in Brady’s Miami neighborhood, while Broncos OC Davis Webb, ex-Giants coach Brian Daboll, and now-Bills coach Joe Brady came to Vegas.
The Raiders’ hiring panel traveled to Seattle to interview Kubiak as the Seahawks were still in action.
Kubiak later all but confirmed that he was joining the Black and Silver after helping lead the Seahawks to a 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
The former quarterback, who owns a minority stake in the Raiders, was part of the process
Kubiak helped lead the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowl glory as offensive coordinator
‘You guys know I’m going to Las Vegas,’ Kubiak told reporters on the field. ‘I’m fired up about it. Hell yeah, I’m going’.
The following Monday afternoon, the Raiders officially confirmed the news and shared footage of Kubiak touching down in Nevada on a private jet, just hours after leading the Seahawks their second-ever Lombardi Trophy.
In his sole season in Seattle, he transformed the offense into the NFL’s third-highest scoring unit, averaging 28.4 points per game.
Under his guidance, quarterback Sam Darnold reached his second Pro Bowl with a career-high 67.7 completion percentage.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba also exploded under Kubiak’s tutelage, leading the league with 1,793 yards and earning Offensive Player of the Year honors.
The Raiders are banking on that same Midas touch to revitalize a franchise that finished a dismal 2025 campaign at 3-14.
Kubiak replaces Pete Carroll in Las Vegas, who departed after a single unsuccessful season at the helm.
