The Las Vegas Raiders have begun filling out their coaching staff under Klint Kubiak. Kubiak and the front office found his defensive coordinator through an internal search, promoting defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach Rob Leonard.
Leonard has been a part of the organization since 2023, assisting former defensive coordinator Patrick Graham during that time. He now becomes the successor to Graham in leading a defense for the first time in his coaching career.
The Raiders have held Leonard in high regard as a highly respected member of their organization. Multiple teams across the league inquired about him over the past couple of seasons due to his coaching experience. The team made the right move by not letting him leave for other opportunities.
Leonard Continues To Polish Raw Talent
Leonard rightfully earned his promotion as defensive coordinator through his leadership. Despite three different regimes since his 2023 arrival, he has made himself valuable in various ways.
Look no further than the defensive line’s development; it’s been the defense’s focal point during his tenure. The unit has featured a much younger core in recent years, and no matter the level of talent, his teachings have been effective.
The amount of raw talent that Leonard has worked with shows his ability to develop players. His unit is mentally wired to play aggressively.
Jonah Laulu, Tonka Hemingway, Charles Snowden, and most notably K’Lavon Chaisson all have made strides because of Leonard. The defense has other holes to fill this offseason to become a complete unit.
Despite the defense ranking 25th in points allowed (25.4) and 14th in yards allowed (317.8), Leonard’s group was solid against the run. The Raiders gave up 3.9 yards per carry- fourth best in the NFL.
History With a Strong Coaching Tree
Before joining the Raiders, Leonard spent a season with the Baltimore Ravens as their outside linebackers coach in 2022. He worked under former defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald, who now coaches the Seattle Seahawks. Before joining the Ravens, Leonard also served under Brian Flores with the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2021 as their assistant defensive line coach.
Even though Rob Leonad remains an unproven coordinator, MacDonald and Flores’ leadership has evidently rubbed off already. Leonard was also under the tutelage of Steve Spagnuolo with the New York Giants from 2015 to 2017. The fact that he has been surrounded by the top defensive coordinators in the NFL shows the potential he can bring to a team.
This is Leonard’s fourth season with the silver and black, with 16 seasons of coaching experience, including 13 in the NFL. Returning to the Raiders was a smart move to maintain continuity with the team. He has a strong relationship with star defensive end Maxx Crosby, who continues to thrive under Leonard’s coaching.
What Does Leonard’s Promotion Mean For Crosby?
Before Leonard arrived in Las Vegas, Crosby was just beginning to break out in the league. The defense was not in the best position at the time, but that didn’t slow down Crosby’s production.
Crosby and Leonard have grown extremely close over the last few seasons despite three different head coaching changes. Both individuals are mentally wired the same way about their work ethic. Their goal is to compete at a high level consistently, but team success has not necessarily translated.
The two embody this warrior mentality that is a prime example of why Crosby wants to be the “Best in the world.” Their energy is infectious because it influences their teammates to shift their overall mindset.
Despite the trade rumors suggesting that Crosby wants to leave the Raiders, he should be pleased with Leonard’s promotion as defensive coordinator. Crosby recently shared his reaction on social media with a brief message, “Legend,” in response to Leonard’s promotion.
Crosby continues to evolve every season despite undergoing several surgeries over the last few years. The Raiders should feel optimistic about promoting Leonard heading into the 2026 season. This allows the team to maintain continuity while having Leonard learn the ropes as a full-time defensive coordinator.
The upside of it is having a leader remain in the building and continue to develop a new core of players. Leonard has a big chip on his shoulder to improve the defense under his watch. The Raiders made the right choice in keeping one of their most respected members in the building to provide stability on the defense.
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