Tom Brady’s coaching choice is clear as Fernando Mendoza prepares to lead the Raiders’ rebuild

The Las Vegas Raiders are starting over again, but this time the plan feels more serious. After a 3–14 season, the franchise is moving quickly to fix leadership issues and give the team a clear direction. Tom Brady, now a minority owner, is playing a quiet but important role behind the scenes. His focus is simple: long-term stability, not another short-term gamble.Las Vegas already moved on from Pete Carroll after just one season. That decision showed how urgent the situation has become. With the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a young quarterback in mind, the Raiders want a coach who can grow with the roster. That choice could shape the franchise for years, and the pieces are starting to fall into place.Multiple reports say the Raiders are close to hiring Klint Kubiak, currently the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. Formal talks are expected after Super Bowl LX, as Seattle is still preparing for the game. Kubiak, 38, has drawn interest from other teams, but Las Vegas moved fastest. He is the son of Super Bowl-winning coach Gary Kubiak and has built a strong reputation for structured, quarterback-friendly offenses.At the same time, the Raiders are preparing to draft Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick in 2026. Inside the organization, Mendoza is viewed as the future of the franchise. Tom Brady worked closely with general manager John Spytek during the coaching search to make sure the system fits a young quarterback’s needs.Last season showed what happens when that fit is missing. Geno Smith’s two-year, $75 million deal did not bring stability. Protection issues, turnovers, and poor rhythm hurt the offense. Las Vegas allowed 64 sacks, lost 12 fumbles, and threw 17 interceptions, the worst combination in the league. Support for the new direction is growing among former players. After a fan known as “Centex Raider” asked about offensive line coach John Benton, Richie Incognito replied on X, saying, “He’d be a great hire. Benton teaches the fundamentals the right way. That’s exactly what a young offensive line needs.”Benton worked closely with the Kubiak family for years and helped Seattle cut sacks allowed from 54 in 2024 to 27 in 2025 with nearly the same lineup. If he joins Kubiak in Las Vegas, the Raiders could finally fix their biggest weakness and give Mendoza a fair chance to develop.