Klint Kubiak, the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, is focused on establishing a professional culture within the team, stating that the current roster is free of disruptive elements. "I think we just have a professional group of players," Kubiak told reporters on Monday. "They care about getting better. We don’t have any turds—we’ve got guys that want to be here, that want to win, that want to change this place. So, I’m really happy with that."
This assessment comes as the Raiders attempt to move past a difficult period, having won only seven games over the past two seasons, including a 3-14 record in 2025. Kubiak is the fourth full-time head coach for the franchise since Jon Gruden's departure in 2021, following stints by Josh McDaniels, Antonio Pierce, and Pete Carroll.
The coach's emphasis on professionalism marks a shift for an organization historically known for embracing unconventional personalities, provided they contributed to winning. Kubiak, however, intends for the current team to define itself through its work ethic rather than relying on past team identities or slogans.
"Words are really just—they’re just words," Kubiak said. "We watch our tape and we talk about what is acceptable and what is not. What effort looks like, what it doesn’t look like. And then we let the players go set that standard."
Kubiak's strategy will be tested with a roster that combines experienced players with emerging talent. Kirk Cousins is set to lead as the starting quarterback, with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza developing behind him. Mendoza has expressed a desire to learn from Cousins and Aidan O’Connell to best contribute to the team's success.
Maxx Crosby remains a key figure on the defensive side, while Mendoza represents the team's future. Kubiak's primary challenge will be transforming these individual strengths into consistent team performance, aiming for greater stability than the Raiders have achieved in recent years.