Bold take: the Raiders appear set to reshape their defense by promoting Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator, a move that signals both ambition and risk for a team still finding its footing under a new regime. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a coach who has focused on the defensive line and run game coordination effectively orchestrate an entire unit in a league where schemes evolve week to week? And this is the part most people miss: the success of such a transition hinges not just on a single promotion, but on how the rest of the staff aligns with the plan — including the retention of Joe Woods as defensive pass-game coordinator, and the broader impact on players like Maxx Crosby whose future with the Raiders remains uncertain after Klint Kubiak’s hiring as head coach.
Key points from the recent reporting:
- Rob Leonard, who has led the Raiders’ defensive line and run game coordination since 2023, is expected to be elevated to defensive coordinator, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
- Leonard has built a working relationship with edge rusher Maxx Crosby, a relationship that will be tested as new leadership shapes the defense.
- The Raiders will keep Joe Woods in the role of defensive pass-game coordinator, a decision that suggests a desire for some continuity in pass defense framework.
- The 2025 Raiders defense struggled under a blended approach from former coordinator Patrick Graham and head coach Pete Carroll, finishing 25th in points allowed (25.4 per game) and 14th in yards allowed (317.8 per game); opponents converted 46.3% of their third downs, a troubling stat.
- Despite those struggles, Las Vegas showed strength against the run (3.9 yards per carry allowed, 4th-best in the league). Crosby piled up 10 sacks with 26 run stuffs, and DT Jonah Laulu made notable progress in his second year with a career-high four sacks. Rookie Tonka Hemingway also flashed late in the season with four sacks in the final five games.
- Leonard’s coaching history includes stints with the Baltimore Ravens (outside linebackers coach, 2022), the Miami Dolphins (linebackers coach and assistant defensive line coach, 2019–2021), and the New York Giants (assistant coach, 2013–2018).
- This move marks the second coaching hire by Klint Kubiak since he was announced as the Raiders’ 25th head coach earlier this week, with Mike McCoy joining the staff as an assistant head coach.
If Leonard’s promotion succeeds, Las Vegas could stabilize a defense that has mixed results and inconsistent messaging. If it falters, questions about fit, philosophy, and player adaptation will intensify, especially around Crosby’s role and the overall high-leverage decisions in a season that already carries high expectations.
What do you think: is promoting Leonard a smart bet for a quick defensive uplift, or does it risk a larger disruption at a critical juncture for the Raiders? Share your thoughts in the comments — and consider whether you believe the club should have pursued a broader defensive overhaul instead.
