In a bold move that’s already sparking conversations across the NFL, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has turned to the Seattle Seahawks’ playbook to fill a critical role on his staff, hiring Andrew Janocko as the team’s new offensive coordinator. But here’s where it gets controversial: Janocko, a seasoned quarterbacks coach with the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks, is stepping into this high-profile position for the first time in his career. Can a first-timer truly lead the Raiders’ offense to greatness? Time will tell, but Kubiak seems confident, having worked alongside Janocko with the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, and Seahawks. And this is the part most people miss: Kubiak himself will be calling the plays, potentially easing Janocko’s transition into this pivotal role.
At 37, Janocko brings a wealth of experience, including stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears, not to mention his collegiate days as a backup quarterback at Pitt. His expertise could prove invaluable in mentoring Fernando Mendoza, the Indiana star quarterback projected to be the Raiders’ No. 1 pick in April’s draft. But here’s the kicker: Janocko wasn’t the Seahawks’ top choice for their own offensive coordinator vacancy, as they opted for San Francisco 49ers’ Brian Fleury instead. Does this make him an underdog, or is Kubiak onto something bigger?
Adding to the intrigue, the Raiders have also hired Joe DeCamillis, a special teams guru with over three decades of NFL experience and two Super Bowl rings, as their special teams coordinator. DeCamillis, 60, joins from the University of South Carolina, where he served as associate head coach and special teams coordinator. His resume includes stops with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, Bears, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Fun fact: DeCamillis wasn’t a football player in college—he was an All-America wrestler at the University of Wyoming. Talk about a unique path to NFL success!
But here’s the real question: Can this blend of fresh talent and seasoned veterans transform the Raiders into contenders? Kubiak’s staff is rounding out nicely, with defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, assistant head coach Mike McCoy, and secondary coach Matt Robinson (formerly of the Giants) all joining the fold. McCoy’s extensive quarterback coaching experience could be a game-changer for Mendoza, while Leonard’s promotion from defensive run-game coordinator/defensive line coach signals continuity and trust within the organization.
Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr weighed in on the Kubiak-Janocko pairing during the ‘Home Grown’ podcast, calling them ‘peanut butter and jelly’—inseparable and unstoppable. Yet, not everyone is convinced. Some critics argue that Janocko’s lack of experience as a play-caller could be a liability. What do you think? Is this a recipe for success, or a risky gamble?
As the Raiders gear up for the 2026 season, one thing is clear: Kubiak’s vision for his coaching staff is bold, collaborative, and unapologetically ambitious. With Mendoza, running back Ashton Jeanty, and tight end Brock Bowers in the mix, the offense has the potential to be explosive. But will it all come together? Only time will tell. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—are you excited about this new era for the Raiders, or do you see red flags on the horizon?
