The NFL's coaching carousel keeps spinning, with the Las Vegas Raiders making a bold move to hire Klint Kubiak as their new head coach, while the Cleveland Browns are left reeling after defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's sudden resignation. What do these changes mean for the future of these teams, and what can we expect to see in the league's coaching landscape going forward?
Raiders Bring in Kubiak to Revive Struggling Franchise
The Raiders' decision to hire Klint Kubiak, son of legendary coach Gary Kubiak, as their new head coach is a clear signal that the organization is ready to shake things up. Kubiak, who just helped the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl as their offensive coordinator, inherits a Raiders team that has struggled to recapture the glory days of their past. ESPN reports that Kubiak was flanked by several Raiders legends, including Hall of Famers Mike Haynes, Howie Long, and Charles Woodson, during his introductory press conference - a nod to the team's storied history and an indication that Kubiak understands the weight of the expectations he now faces.
What this really means is that the Raiders are betting big on Kubiak's offensive acumen and his ability to connect with the team's rich tradition to turn things around. As Yahoo Sports notes, the Raiders haven't won a playoff game since their last Super Bowl appearance in 2002, and Kubiak will be their fifth full-time coach since the team's move to Las Vegas in 2020. The bigger picture here is that the Raiders are hoping Kubiak can bring the same kind of spark and success his father had in leading the Broncos to a Super Bowl title, and breathe new life into a franchise that has struggled to find its identity in recent years.
Browns Left Searching After Schwartz's Resignation
While the Raiders are looking to the future with their new hire, the Cleveland Browns are left to pick up the pieces after the sudden departure of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Yahoo Sports reports that Schwartz resigned from his position after being passed over for the team's head coaching job, which went to former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken instead.
Schwartz's decision to resign, rather than being fired, means he is still under contract with the Browns and is expected to sit out the 2026 season. This leaves the Browns in a tricky spot, as they now have to find a new defensive coordinator to work with Monken and continue the progress they made under Schwartz's leadership. The loss of Schwartz is a significant blow, as he had developed the Browns' defense into a top-five unit in the league. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that Schwartz was "reportedly upset" at being passed over for the head coaching job, which likely contributed to his decision to resign.
The bigger picture here is that the Browns' coaching staff is now in flux, and they'll need to quickly find a replacement for Schwartz who can maintain the team's defensive momentum. This unexpected change could have far-reaching implications for the Browns' plans for the 2026 season and beyond.