The Las Vegas Raiders introduced new head coach Klint Kubiak in a press conference on Tuesday. Here are some highlights from the session:
John Spytek said the team conducted 22 interviews for the job. Spytek said Kubiak stood out with his and leadership and they are proud that he helped win the Super Bowl as the Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator. Spytek said Kubiak will attend the Seahawks’ Super Bowl parade on Wednesday and jumped in his new job on Thursday.
Kubiak thanked Mark Davis, Tom Brady and other in the ownership group. Kubiak said Davis takes care of former players better than anyone in the league.
He was extremely complimentary of the history of the Raiders’ history and he was reminded of it. There were some Raiders’ alumni were in attendance on the stage, including Jim Plunkett, Charles Woodson, Marcus Allen, Howie Long, Mike Haynes and Rich Gannon.
“This is no ordinary job, this is the Silver and Black, this is the Raiders. It’s a historic franchise,” Kubiak said. “It was a no brainer.”
Kubiak said the brass didn’t have to say much to sell him — “this is the Raiders.”
Kubiak is excited to be on the same team as Brady. He joked that Brady made a mistake of giving him his cell-phone number because he’s going to use it a lot. Kubiak said Brady was a big draw in his taking the job.
Kubiak praised Spytek and noted how important their communication will be in their roles. He said they will work closely on all aspects of the team, including building the coaching staff. Davis said Kubiak will report directly to both Spytek and Brady. Davis told reporters it’s clear that Spytek and Brady are running the football side of the team. Davis was asked if Brady will have a bigger presence around the building and he said they will have to wait and see.
As expected, Kubiak will call the plays on offense. Why not? He’s excellent at it.
Kubiak shouted out, Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, who, but the way, is a free agent.
Kubiak said the fact that the Raiders have the No. 1 pick and the salary-cap space and the team’s Henderson, Nevada facility all played a role for him taking the job. “The resources are here, we just have to put it all together,” he said.
Kubiak was asked about taking expected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Predictably, he said he must watched tape before making any decisions with the top pick.
Kubiak didn’t look at the recent turnover of coaching stats as a negative, but as “a challenge.”
“We’re going to be about the work,” said Kubiak, a noted grinder. He wants to be a gritty team like the Raiders’ of the “old days.”
He said he is identifying assistant coaching candidates now. He is looking for a physical, aggressive approach that focuses on effort. He looking for “a great staff of teachers.”
Kubiak was asked about Ashton Jeanty, who was in attendance with several teammates, and he said he’s excited to start working with second-year running back.
Kubiak said tight end Brock Bowers can be one of the best “receivers” not just tight ends in the NFL.
Kubiak said he has to “earn” the trust of fans with their actions.
Overall, I was really impressed by Kubiak. He is not a rah-rah type. He seems genuine and and honest. He wasn’t blowing smoke and that is refreshing after what we’ve seen from recent coaches. He is about the work and is focused on making it work in Las Vegas. Time will tell if it does.
But Tuesday was a nice start to the Kubiak era.
NOTE:
Will be working on a Maxx Crosby update shortly with Kubiak making it known the team wants to keep him in Las Vegas.
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