Can the Las Vegas Raiders break a two-decade drought in 2026?
In short: After years of instability, the Raiders have entered the 2026 season with a fresh coaching staff and a surprising 3–0 start. As they chase their first AFC West title in 23 years, the franchise faces a pivotal moment of reconstruction.
The 2026 season marks a period of significant transition for the Las Vegas Raiders. Following a difficult 2025 campaign that saw the team finish with a 3–14 record, the organization moved on from head coach Pete Carroll after just one season. This coaching change was part of a broader period of volatility; the team has employed six different head coaches since 2021 and seen five different opening day starters in five seasons.
The search for stability was led by general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady. On February 9, 2026, the team officially appointed Klint Kubiak, formerly the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator, as the new head coach. Kubiak brought in his own staff, including Andrew Janocko as offensive coordinator, while Rob Leonard was promoted to defensive coordinator following the departure of Patrick Graham to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite the recent upheaval, the season began with unexpected momentum. The Raiders secured their first 3–0 start since 2021, highlighted by a 26–14 upset victory against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. This win was particularly significant as it snapped a four-game losing streak against the Chargers and ended a five-game losing streak specifically in Los Angeles. The franchise now faces the challenge of building on this early success to end a four-year playoff absence and a 23-year drought of AFC West titles.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2026 Las Vegas Raiders season
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