Raiders Officially Name Klint Kubiak Head Coach

The Raiders have made it official. The team announced this evening that they’ve named Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their new head coach.

Kubiak is now the 25th head coach in franchise history, and he’s the sixth since the team moved to Las Vegas. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kubiak will receive a five-year contract from the Raiders.

Of course, this move doesn’t come as any surprise. The franchise seemed to be leaning towards Kubiak last week, and the 38-year-old was reportedly set to negotiate a deal with the organization. Then, Kubiak all but confirmed the news last night following the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win when he revealed that he’d indeed be taking his talents from Seattle to Las Vegas.

The son of Gary Kubiak, Klint has bounced around the NFL during his coaching career, including stops with the Vikings, Saints, and Seahawks as the offensive coordinator. It was that latter stop that made him seem destined to take the next step of his career, as Kubiak was the most popular name during this year’s hiring cycle. The 38-year-old ultimately interviewed for seven of the 10 HC vacancies, and he landed one of those opportunities in Las Vegas.

After helping guide Sam Darnold and the Seahawks offense to a surprising top-10 showing this past season, Kubiak will now be tasked with turning around a franchise that’s only made the postseason twice in the past 23 years. Besides landing on their new head coach, the Raiders are also anticipated to add a new franchise QB this offseason, as the team is expected to select reigning Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza with the first-overall pick.

Before Kubiak can focus on the on-field product, he’ll have to quickly build out his staff. Considering his inexperience as a head coach, Jason La Canfora of Sportsboom.com writes that the Raiders are expected to prioritize experience as they look to fill out the coaching staff. One name in particular that could stand out is Jim Schwartz, who hastily left the Browns after losing out on their head coaching job.

Per La Canfora, the veteran defensive coach has several fans in the building. This includes Kubiak, and the offensive-minded head coach presumably wouldn’t meddle in Schwartz’s defensive approach. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady is also a “strong supporter” of the coach. Since the Raiders have traditionally shown a willingness to “spend heavily” on assistants, there’s an expectation among league sources that Schwartz will ultimately land in Las Vegas.

There would remain one hurdle in the Raiders’ pursuit, however: the Browns have Schwartz under contract through 2026, meaning Las Vegas would have to negotiate with the AFC foe to lure the coach. As Albert Breer of SI.com notes, this has led some to believe that Schwartz could simply sit out the upcoming campaign, and there’s some belief that the coach may be simply waiting for the Eagles DC job to open up.

On the offensive side of the ball, Seahawks quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko is a “natural candidate,” according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Prior to his success with Darnold, Janocko was credited with getting some of the best career showings from the likes of Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, and Derek Carr. It’s no coincidence that the coach has also joined Kubiak in multiple stops, making him an obvious candidate for the gig. Of course, there’s also a chance the Seahawks simply look to promote him to their newfound OC vacancy.

Speaking of the Seahawks, Fowler notes that in-house options like offensive passing game coordinator Jake Peetz and running backs coach Justin Outten could also be options to replace Kubiak, as could Lions senior assistant Mike Kafka.

TE David Njoku Says He Won’t Be Returning To Browns

David Njoku indicated that he won’t be re-signing with the Browns. The impending free agent tight end took to Instagram this evening to say farewell to Cleveland, stating that “the time for me to find a new home has come.”

“Cleveland, first off I love you,” Njoku wrote. “These 9 years have been a beautiful journey. I’m am so grateful for all the memories we shared together. Thank you to The Haslams, Andrew Berry and the whole browns organization for everything!! All my teammates I shared the battle with I’m so grateful for you guys. The time for me to find a new home has come and all I can think of is just the gratefulness in my heart. The city of Cleveland will forever be home.”

After emerging in trade rumors during the 2024 trade deadline, Njoku was once again viewed as a trade candidate in 2025. Coupled with the tight end’s impending free agent and the performance of third-round rookie TE Harold Fannin, those trade rumblings seemed to indicate that Njoku’s departure from Cleveland would come sooner than later.

Still, after Njoku stuck with the Browns after the deadline, we heard that the tight end was eyeing an extension with the franchise. And following the regular season, there were reports that the Browns would consider a third contract for the veteran. Since then, the Browns have revamped their coaching staff, and Njoku reportedly endorsed new Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski to Atlanta TE (and fellow impending free agent) Kyle Pitts.

If Njoku sticks to his current word and indeed looks to play elsewhere in 2026, he’ll end a Browns tenure that sees him rank among the organization’s best tight ends. While the 2017 first-round pick was always going to face an uphill battle to rival franchise legend Ozzie Newsome, Njoku arguably established himself as the second-best TE in Browns history. Despite inconsistent QB play for much of his nine seasons in Cleveland, Njoku still hauled in 384 catches for 4,062 yards and 34 touchdowns. That latter mark ranks sixth on the Browns’ all-time receiving leaderboard.

Njoku played through his rookie contract in Cleveland before being slapped with the franchise tag in 2022. He subsequently inked a four-year, $56MM extension with the organization, and his $14MM average annual value still ranks fifth at the position. The 29-year-old dealt with knee injuries for much of the 2025 season, opening the door for Fannin to pace the team in targets (107) and receptions (72). While both tight ends could have coexisted in Cleveland, it comes as zero surprise that the Browns and Njoku are preparing for a divorce.

Njoku may have a tough time retaining his current spot in the AAV standings, and there’s a good chance he even falls out of the top-15 at his position (~$10MM). Besides his 2025 injuries and drop in production, Njoku is also a part of a relatively deep free agent class at the position. Even assuming that Travis Kelce will either retire or return to the Chiefs, Njoku will be competing with the likes of Pitts, DallasGoedert, and Isaiah Likely for his next contract.

Browns Request DC Interview With Falcons’ Mike Rutenberg

Another name has joined the growing list of candidates for the Browns defensive coordinator job. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Browns have requested an interview with Falcons defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg.

Rutenberg had a long stint in Jacksonville to begin his NFL coaching career. Following seven seasons with the organization, he caught on with the 49ers as their passing game specialist. That move reunited him with Robert Saleh after the two worked alongside each other during their time with the Jaguars.

When Saleh got the Jets head coaching job in 2021, Rutenberg followed him to New York as the team’s new linebackers coach. He spent four years with the organization, three of which saw the Jets finish in the top-five in total defense. As the Jets revamped their coaching staff ahead of the 2025 campaign, Rutenberg left for the Falcons, where he was named the defensive pass game coordinator. Atlanta’s pass defense was generally middle-of-the-road this past season, although they did rank sixth in interceptions.

The 44-year-old’s stock has recently been climbing. He was a candidate for the Titans DC job that eventually went to Gus Bradley, and Fowler notes that Rutenberg was actually the runner-up in that process. Now, he’ll get another crack at a coordinator gig in Cleveland.

Another name that’s definitively connected to the Browns job is Texans passing-game coordinator Cory Undlin, who was previously mentioned as a potential candidate for the gig. According to Albert Breer of SI.com, Undlin met with the Browns this past weekend. This would be a bit of a homecoming for the veteran coach, who had a four-year stint in Cleveland early in his coaching career.

Since then, he’s coached defensive backs in stops with the Jaguars, Broncos, Eagles, and 49ers. He also had a one-year stint as the Lions defensive coordinator under Matt Patricia, although Detroit ranked as the worst defense in the NFL that year. He’s spent the past three seasons serving in his current role on DeMeco Ryans‘s staff in Houston.

With Jim Schwartz resigning from his post in Cleveland, the Browns list of DC candidates continues to grow. The team’s other options include:

Final Deshaun Watson Lawsuits Dismissed

At one point, Deshaun Watson was the subject of 27 civil lawsuits stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct. That number dwindled in short order, but two loomed until very recently.

The Browns quarterback will not see the remaining suits proceed to trial. The final two Watson lawsuits have been dismissed by the plaintiffs, as detailed by Brent Schrotenboer of USA Today. Both were dismissed with prejudice roughly one month ago, an indication a confidential settlement was reached in each instance.

One of the two outstanding cases had Lauren Baxley as its plaintiff. She was the last client of attorney Tony Busbee, who represented all but one of Watson’s accusers. The Baxley case was scheduled to proceed to trial on March 30. The other case’s trial was scheduled to begin on February 18. Instead, both matters are now closed.

“Case is settled,” Buzbee confirmed on Monday. “That’s all I can say about it. That’s the last case so that ends my involvement with Deshaun Watson litigation.”

March of 2021 marked the beginning of suits being filed against Watson. All contained allegations of sexual misconduct dating back to his tenure with the Texans. 24 of those suits were settled confidentially in 2021, with another being withdrawn not long after it was filed. The Texans were themselves the subject of allegations the team enabled Watson’s actions during massage sessions and did not prevent them. Settlements were reached with 30 women.

The possibility of civil litigation loomed when Watson was the subject of trade negotiations, but his market picked up once it became clear no criminal case would be in play. In the end, the Browns won the Watson sweepstakes and paid a trade price highlighted by three first-round picks. As part of the blockbuster move, Cleveland gave Watson a five-year, $230MM extension which was guaranteed in full.

To say the least, things have not gone according to plan. After returning from an 11-game suspension, Watson has dealt with a number of injuries and failed to meet expectations when on the field. In all, the three-time Pro Bowler has played just 19 games across three years as a Brown. Watson is currently recovering from the two Achilles tears which kept him sidelined for 2025.

A path may exist for the 30-year-old to earn the Browns’ starting quarterback position next season. In any event, a release following the 2026 campaign would come as no surprise despite the cap implications of doing so based on the restructures worked out by Cleveland over the course of Watson’s ill-fated Cleveland tenure.

Browns To Conduct DC Interview With Aubrey Pleasant; Team Requests Jonathan Cooley, Charlie Bullen Meetings

With the Browns‘ head coaching position going to Todd Monken, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will not be with the team any longer. His resignation has created a DC opening in Cleveland for the first time in three years.

The list of candidates to replace Schwartz has grown. Rams defensive pass-game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant will speak with the Browns this afternoon, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Meanwhile, Charlie Bullen, currently the outside linebackers coach of the Giants, has received a Browns interview request, per Rapoport’s colleague Mike Garafolo.

Both Pleasant and Bullen are also candidates for the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator opening. That is not the case for Panthers defensive pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley, but he too is on Cleveland’s radar. Cooley has received a DC interview request as well, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Pleasant’s first NFL coaching gig came in 2013. That season, he worked as an intern with the Browns. Since then, the former UDFA has held a number of roles on various NFL teams. Much of Pleasant’s coaching career has come with the Rams, though. He has worked with the team during two different stints; back in Los Angeles since 2023, he received the added title of assistant head coach one year later.

Bullen is also a veteran staffer, with experience at the college and pro levels. The 41-year-old joined the Giants’ staff in 2024, and he took over from Shane Bowen midway through this past campaign after Bowen’s dismissal. New York brought in Dennard Wilson as defensive coordinator, ensuring Bullen would not receive the gig on a full-time basis. His first full season leading a defense would come about in 2026 in the event of a Browns (or Cardinals) hire.

Cooley had not been connected to any D-coordinator openings prior to today. A former Rams staffer, he worked under Ejiro Evero in Los Angeles. The two were reunited in Carolina in 2023. Cooley worked as the Panthers’ secondary coach during his first season with the team. For the past two years, he has held his current title.

Via PFR’s Coordinator Search Tracker, here is an updated look at where things stand with the Browns:

  • Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed
  • Charlie Bullen, defensive pass-game coordinator (Giants): Interview requested
  • Jonathan Cooley, defensive pass-game coordinator (Panthers): Interview requested
  • Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): To interview 2/9
  • Jason Tarver, linebackers coach (Browns): Interviewed
  • Cory Undlin, defensive pass-game coordinator (Texans): Mentioned as candidate
  • Dino Vasso, defensive backs coach (Texans): Mentioned as candidate; withdrew from search

Final 2026 NFL Draft Order

With Super Bowl LX in the books, the full 2026 NFL draft order has been set. Free agency is not far away, but attention will increasingly turn to April’s event as the offseason progresses.

The top of the first-round order is not subject to much in the way of speculation. The Raiders own the No. 1 selection and are widely seen as the landing spot for Fernando Mendozathe lone quarterback regarded as a first-round lock at this point. How other QB-needy teams positioned throughout the order operate over the coming weeks – knowing there is a lack of high-end prospects this year – will make for an interesting storyline around the league.

This year’s NFL Combine will begin on February 23. Events such as the Senior Bowl have already taken place, leaving the Combine as the next major checkpoint in the evaluation of top prospects. Teams will begin arranging ‘Top 30’ visits with several players of interest relatively soon during the build-up to the draft. This year’s event will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.

Pending the inevitable trades which will shake up the order, here is a final look at how things stand leading up to Day 1:

  1. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
  2. New York Jets (3-14)
  3. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
  4. Tennessee Titans (3-14)
  5. New York Giants (4-13)
  6. Cleveland Browns (5-12)
  7. Washington Commanders (5-12)
  8. New Orleans Saints (6-11)
  9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
  10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
  11. Miami Dolphins (7-10)
  12. Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
  13. Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
  14. Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
  15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
  16. New York Jets (via Colts)
  17. Detroit Lions (9-8)
  18. Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
  19. Carolina Panthers (8-9)
  20. Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
  21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
  22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
  23. Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
  24. Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)
  25. Chicago Bears (11-6)
  26. Buffalo Bills (12-5)
  27. San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
  28. Houston Texans (12-5)
  29. Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
  30. Denver Broncos (14-3)
  31. New England Patriots (14-3)
  32. Seattle Seahawks (14-3)

Texans’ Dino Vasso Withdraws From Consideration For DC Jobs; Browns Interview Two Internal Staffers

Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso garnered considerable attention for a defensive coordinator job in this year’s coaching carousel. The 38-year-old staffer has decided to remain in Houston, however.

Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Vasso has withdrawn from consideration for DC jobs. It sounds as if the Texans may have given him a raise to stay, as Rapoport adds Vasso has secured a contract extension.

Vasso initially joined the Texans as a cornerbacks coach in 2021 and held that role for three years. His duties were expanded slightly in 2024, when his title was upgraded to defensive backs coach. The Texans’ defense has certainly benefited from strong secondary play in recent seasons, and we previously heard that former Browns DC Jim Schwartz and current Texans DC Matt Burke have offered endorsements for Vasso.

Vasso’s work earned him recent DC interviews with the Titans and Cardinals, and he was also named as a legitimate contender for the Browns’ DC job (which recently became available upon Schwartz’s resignation). Even though Vasso did not take a Cleveland interview, he was a top candidate for that role, as Rapport notes. Shortly after the Vasso news broke, Rapoport’s colleague, Tom Pelissero, reported that the Browns have interviewed internal candidates Ephraim Banda (safeties coach) and Jason Tarver (linebackers coach) for the opening.

New Browns head coach Todd Monken has previously stated the team will keep Schwartz’s system in place, as Pelissero relays. As such, promoting an internal staffer would be a logical move, particularly since Cleveland’s defense was one of the league’s best in 2025. Banda interviewed for the Cowboys’ and Jets’ DC gigs this year, and Tarver worked as the Raiders’ DC from 2012-14.

According to Rapoport, Vasso would have been on the short list for the Raiders’ current defensive coordinator vacancy as well. Patrick Graham, who served as Las Vegas’ DC for the past four seasons, recently joined the Steelers in the same capacity. He will become an experienced voice for Mike McCarthy’s first staff in Pittsburgh, and the Raiders – who are planning to hire Klint Kubiak as their next head coach – will now have one fewer option to fill his spot.

The Titans ultimately hired Gus Bradley as their DC under new head coach Robert Saleh. The Cardinals’ and Browns’ searches will continue, and Vasso will remain a trusted advisor on the Texans’ defense for Burke and head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Houston led the league in both total defense and points per game in 2025. Although it will be difficult to replicate that performance in 2026, another strong showing will presumably keep Vasso’s DC stock high next year.

Browns DC Jim Schwartz Resigns

FEBRUARY 7: Monken contacted Schwartz three days after his hire, attempting to arrange a partnership between the two. As The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes (subscription required), Schwartz “was not enthused” with the timing of the communication, something which further explains his resignation decision. ESPN’s Dan Graziano confirms Schwartz is likely to spend the 2026 season out of coaching before resurfacing elsewhere.

FEBRUARY 6: Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was a finalist to become their head coach, but the job ultimately went to Todd Monken on Jan. 28. Schwartz made it clear afterward that he wanted to leave Cleveland, and he’ll do just that a little over a week later. Schwartz has resigned, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network was among those to report.

In announcing Schwartz’s departure, the Browns stated: “Yesterday, Jim Schwartz submitted his letter of resignation as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns. We’d like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the last three seasons. Our search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.”

The Browns tried to retain Schwartz as their defensive leader for a fourth season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Although they were unable to do it, they continue to hold his rights, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com notes. The 59-year-old is not expected to coach anywhere in 2026, per Garafolo. He stepped down with two years left on his contract.

Schwartz was the Lions’ head coach from 2009-13, but he hasn’t gotten another shot since he guided the team to a 29-51 record and one playoff berth in five seasons. While his time in Detroit didn’t go well, Schwartz was a top-tier defensive coordinator with the Titans from 2001-08. He has thrived in that role with the Bills (2014), Eagles (2016-20) and Browns (2023-25) since the Lions let him go. Schwartz won Super Bowl LII in Philadelphia.

After returning to Tennesee as a senior defensive assistant from 2021-22, now-former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski brought him in to replace Joe Woods as their D-coordinator. The Browns earned their most recent playoff berth in Schwartz’s first season, and his defense was a major contributor. The unit topped the league in total defense and ranked 13th in points allowed. Schwartz subsequently picked up AP Assistant Coach of the Year honors.

The Browns’ win total plummeted from 11 to three in 2024, during which their defense submitted below-average marks in yards (19th) and points (27th). Although the Browns struggled again during a 12-loss campaign this past season, Schwartz’s group did its best to make up for a bottom-of-the-barrel offense.

Cleveland’s defense rebounded to finish fourth in yards and 14th in scoring in 2025. End Myles Garrett set the all-time single-season sack record (23) en route to unanimous Defensive Player of the Year honors. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger also took home hardware on Thursday, the day Schwartz tendered his resignation. Schwesinger was voted the unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Year after piling up 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions in 16 games.

Despite the success Garrett, Schwesinger and the rest of the Browns’ defense enjoyed under Schwartz, it wasn’t enough to earn a promotion. The Browns are higher on the offensive-minded Monken after his terrific three-year run as the Ravens’ play-caller. Monken, who emerged as the “strong No. 1 choice” in the Browns’ HC search, now faces the unenviable task of replacing Schwartz.

During his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Monken expressed a desire to continue with the same defensive system in the event of Schwartz’s exit. With that in mind, Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso and defensive pass game coordinator Cory Undlin are names to watch for the Browns, Rapoport relays.

Vasso and Undlin serve under Texans DC Matt Burke, a Schwartz disciple who worked with him in Detroit and Philadelphia. Schwartz also had Vasso and Undlin on his staff with the Eagles, and now either could end up replacing him in Cleveland in the coming days. Undlin is familiar with the organization, having worked as a Browns assistant from 2005-08.

Browns Retain Christian Jones In New Role

Todd Monken has been busy filling out his first NFL staff. In Cleveland, the offensive coordinator turned first-time head coach added three two new faces to his offensive staff and retained a respected coach from former head coach Kevin Stefanski‘s staff.

The familiar face sticking around is Christian Jones, who served as the Browns tight end coach in 2025. According to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports, Jones is expected to remain on Monken’s staff in Cleveland but will work over a different group of pass catchers now as wide receivers coach. Jones came to Cleveland a year ago, leaving his previous role as assistant quarterbacks coach with the Giants.

In his first year with the Browns, he helped rookie third-round tight end Harold Fannin make an easy transition from college to the NFL. Despite several other receiving stars getting extra games in the College Football Playoffs, Fannin ended 2024 as the NCAA leader in receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555), adding 10 touchdowns in 13 games. As a rookie competing with veteran David Njoku for targets, Fannin led the Browns in targets (107), receptions (72), receiving yards (731), and receiving touchdowns (6). Jones will now turn his attention to the team’s receiving corps, which should return its top receiving trio of Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and Cedric Tillman.

On Thursday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that former Pittsburgh offensive assistant Matt Baker is expected to join the Browns as assistant quarterbacks coach under new QB coach Mike Bajakian. Baker, formerly an undrafted quarterback who made stops on several practice squads from 2006 to 2009, turned to coaching when his playing career came to an end. After minor roles at Ole Miss and Western Michigan, Baker took a role as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Division-III John Carroll.

He made the jump to the NFL in 2023 as a special teams assistant with the Falcons in 2023 and spent the past two season in his most recent role with the Steelers. He’ll assist Monken, Bajakian, and company in navigating the tail end of Deshaun Watson‘s contract, the development of second-year passers Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, and the potential addition of more young quarterbacks through the draft.

The other addition to the offensive staff came today as Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports that the team is expected to add Bobby Johnson as an assistant offensive line coach under new OL coach George Warhop. Johnson brings plenty of experience, having held OL coach duties at his last three stops in Buffalo, New York, and Washington. Unfortunately, he finds himself taking a step back into an assistant role after getting fired from his last two jobs. The Giants fired him after the team gave up the second-most sacks in NFL history (85) in 2023, and his first year with the Commanders saw the team give up the eighth-most sacks in the league that year.

2026 NFL Offseason Outlook Series

Pro Football Rumors is breaking down how all 32 teams’ offseason blueprints are shaping up. Going forward, the Offseason Outlook series is exclusive to Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers, and that link provides details on how to sign up for an annual membership.

This post will be updated as more Outlooks are published.

AFC East

  • Buffalo Bills
  • Miami Dolphins
  • New England Patriots
  • New York Jets

AFC North

AFC South

AFC West

NFC East

NFC North

NFC South

NFC West

  • Arizona Cardinals
  • Los Angeles Rams
  • San Francisco 49ers
  • Seattle Seahawks
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