In a bold move that’s already sparking conversations across the NFL, Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak has turned to the Seattle Seahawks’ playbook to fill a critical role on his staff, and it’s a decision that could reshape the team’s future. But here’s where it gets controversial: Andrew Janocko, the 37-year-old quarterbacks coach of the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks, has been tapped as the Raiders’ new offensive coordinator, despite this being his first-ever stint in such a high-stakes position. And this is the part most people miss: Kubiak himself will be calling the plays, leaving Janocko to focus on strategy and player development—a dynamic that could either be a game-changer or a risky gamble.
Janocko’s journey to this role is no small feat. He’s worked alongside Kubiak in multiple franchises, including the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, and Seahawks, building a reputation as a quarterback whisperer. His collegiate experience as a backup quarterback at Pitt from 2007 to 2010 adds a layer of hands-on understanding to his coaching style. But will his lack of offensive coordinator experience be a stumbling block, or will Kubiak’s mentorship propel him to success?
The Raiders aren’t stopping there. Joe DeCamillis, a 60-year-old special teams veteran with over three decades of NFL experience and two Super Bowl rings, has been hired as the special teams coordinator. Coming from the University of South Carolina, where he served as an associate head coach, DeCamillis brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record. Interestingly, he’s not just a football mind—he was an All-America wrestler at the University of Wyoming, a detail that underscores his competitive spirit and discipline.
These moves come on the heels of Kubiak’s decision to promote Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator, a shift that was made official on Sunday. With Leonard, Janocko, and DeCamillis in place, Kubiak’s staff is taking shape—but the real test will be how they gel with the Raiders’ roster.
Speaking of the roster, Janocko’s role could be pivotal in developing Indiana star quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who the Raiders are expected to select with the No. 1 pick in April’s draft. Alongside Mendoza, Janocko will have the likes of running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers to build offensive schemes around. Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has already weighed in, praising Janocko’s ability to elevate players’ performance and calling the Kubiak-Janocko duo ‘peanut butter and jelly’—inseparable and unstoppable.
But let’s not forget the broader implications. Janocko was one of four in-house candidates interviewed for the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator role, which ultimately went to Brian Fleury. Does this mean the Seahawks saw something the Raiders didn’t, or is Las Vegas onto something bigger?
Meanwhile, DeCamillis’s connections to Kubiak’s father, Gary, who coached him in Denver during their 2015 Super Bowl run, add an intriguing layer of history to this hire. Raiders general manager John Spytek, a former Broncos scout, likely played a role in this decision, further emphasizing the team’s focus on experience and relationships.
As the Raiders continue to build their staff, reports indicate they’ve also hired Matt Robinson, formerly the Giants’ assistant defensive line coach, as their secondary coach. Additionally, Joe Woods, the defensive pass-game coordinator and defensive backs coach, will remain with the team, a move that highlights Kubiak’s commitment to continuity.
So, here’s the big question: With Kubiak’s bold hires and unconventional play-calling structure, are the Raiders setting themselves up for a dynasty, or are they taking a leap of faith that could backfire? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
