The Las Vegas Raiders have officially found their new defensive coordinator under head coach Klint Kubiak, with sources reporting that defensive line coach and run game coordinator Rob Leonard is set to take on the role. Leonard, 38, has been with the Raiders for three seasons and worked closely with star pass rusher Maxx Crosby in his previous position.
Leonard Promoted to Lead Raiders Defense While Maintaining Continuity with Key Coaches
Leonard will step into his first NFL defensive coordinator role after a varied coaching career. He began with the New York Giants in 2013 as a defensive assistant, then held multiple roles with the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021. Leonard also spent a season in 2022 with the Baltimore Ravens as an outside linebackers coach under John Harbaugh. His promotion comes as the Raiders look to improve a defense that ranked 25th in points allowed per game and 24th in sacks during the 2025 season.
Rob Leonard (NFL)Crosby, whose future with Las Vegas remains uncertain amid trade rumors, will now have a familiar voice leading the defense. He has indicated he does not want to “throw gasoline on the fire” regarding speculation about his tenure with the team. Joe Woods is also expected to remain with the Raiders as the defensive pass game coordinator, maintaining some continuity in the defensive staff.
Rob Leonard Tasked with Revitalizing Raiders Defense Ahead of 2026 Season Draft
Leonard inherits a defense in need of a significant turnaround. After finishing 3-14 in 2025 under former defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who has since joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Raiders will look to strengthen their unit through free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. Las Vegas holds the No. 1 overall pick, with many expecting them to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, though Kubiak emphasized that the decision has not been finalized and more film review is needed.
The promotion of Leonard marks a clear step in Kubiak’s rebuilding plan, signaling a fresh start for a defense that struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks last season. Leonard’s familiarity with the Raiders’ personnel, combined with his experience coaching defensive fronts across multiple NFL teams, positions him to implement changes and guide a unit in need of improvement. As free agency and the draft approach, Leonard will have an early opportunity to shape the defense and establish the culture for Kubiak’s new era in Las Vegas.
The Raiders now have clarity on their defensive leadership as they enter the 2026 offseason, with Leonard officially taking the reins as defensive coordinator.
