The Las Vegas Raiders have elevated defensive line coach Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator, giving new head coach Klint Kubiak his choice to lead the defense. The promotion was reported Saturday and made official Sunday, solidifying Leonard’s expanded role after three seasons with the organization.
Leonard, 38, previously served as the Raiders’ defensive line coach and added run game coordinator duties before the 2025 season. His work put him in direct contact with star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, whose future has been the subject of trade speculation amid the franchise’s transition to a new regime. Crosby recently said he did not want to “throw gasoline on the fire” regarding the rumors, and Leonard’s promotion ensures a familiar voice remains in charge of the defensive structure.
The Raiders are also expected to retain Joe Woods as defensive pass game coordinator, maintaining some continuity on that side of the ball. Leonard will be taking on his first NFL defensive coordinator role after beginning his league coaching career in 2013 with the New York Giants. He later spent multiple seasons with the Miami Dolphins and one year on John Harbaugh’s staff with the Baltimore Ravens before arriving in Las Vegas.
Leonard inherits a unit that struggled last season, as the Raiders ranked 25th in points allowed per game (25.4) and 24th in sacks. Improvement will be a priority as Las Vegas enters free agency and the draft cycle. While many project the Raiders to target quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick, Kubiak noted during his introductory press conference that evaluations are ongoing.
For now, however, the Raiders have filled a critical post on Kubiak’s first staff, entrusting Leonard with the task of reshaping a defense in need of a turnaround.
