Hold onto your helmets, Raiders fans, because the Silver and Black are shaking things up on the defensive side of the ball! In a move that’s sure to spark debate, new head coach Klint Kubiak has promoted Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator while retaining Joe Woods as defensive pass game coordinator. But here’s where it gets interesting: Leonard, who’s been with the team since 2023 as the defensive line coach, is stepping into some big shoes after Patrick Graham’s departure to the Steelers. And this is the part most people miss—last season, Leonard also took on the role of defensive run game coordinator, and under his watch, the Raiders ranked a solid 4th in average yards per carry allowed, even though they were 17th in total rushing yards. So, is this promotion a no-brainer, or is Kubiak taking a calculated risk? Meanwhile, Woods, a seasoned veteran with stints as defensive coordinator for the Browns and Saints, is sticking around after his first year with the team. His experience working alongside Kubiak in New Orleans likely played a role in his retention, but will their chemistry translate into a top-tier pass defense? These moves come on the heels of Kubiak hiring Mike McCoy as assistant head coach earlier this week, signaling a clear intent to build a seasoned and cohesive staff. But here’s the real question: Can this revamped coaching team elevate the Raiders’ defense from middle-of-the-pack to championship-caliber? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—are you excited about these changes, or do you think the Raiders should have looked outside the organization for fresh blood?
