LAS VEGAS — Klint Kubiak isn’t wasting time reshaping the Silver and Black. Less than a week after taking the helm, the Raiders’ new head coach has reportedly finalized his defensive command, staying in-house to promote Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator. The move signals more than just schematic continuity; it’s a direct strategic play to salvage the relationship with franchise cornerstone Maxx Crosby.
The “Crosby Connection”
Let’s not dance around the elephant in the room. Maxx Crosby is unhappy. After being shut down for the final two games of the 2025 season—a decision he “vehemently disagreed” with—trade rumors have swirled around the star edge rusher. Promoting Leonard, who has served as Crosby’s direct position coach and run-game coordinator since 2023, is clearly an olive branch.
Leonard isn’t just a familiar face; he’s the guy who helped Crosby wreck opposing game plans for the last three years. While the defense as a whole struggled in 2025, ranking 25th in points allowed (25.4 ppg), the front line was a bright spot. Under Leonard’s watch, the Raiders surrendered just 3.9 yards per carry, the fourth-best mark in the NFL. That grit in the trenches is exactly what Kubiak wants to build around.
“I just want to play football and be left the [expletive] alone.”
— Maxx Crosby, Raiders DE (via “Let’s Go!” Podcast)
Woods Retained: A Hybrid Defense?
Kubiak is also keeping veteran Joe Woods as the defensive pass-game coordinator. This creates an interesting dynamic. You have Leonard, a younger, line-focused grinder, paired with Woods, a seasoned secondary specialist with 22 years of NFL experience. Woods’ unit was a mixed bag in 2025, but his track record—including a top-tier takeaway rate during his stint in New Orleans—suggests Kubiak values experience to balance Leonard’s fresh energy.
Analysis: The Road Ahead
The Raiders are staring down the barrel of a massive offseason. Holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Draft, they have the capital to find a quarterback or a blue-chip defender to pair with Crosby. But talent means nothing without buy-in. Kubiak’s decision to elevate Leonard is a gamble that familiarity breeds success—and loyalty.
If Leonard can replicate his run-stopping success across the entire unit and get the secondary to stop bleeding points, this defense could turn around quickly. If not, the noise surrounding a Crosby trade will only get louder as we approach the draft in April.
