New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak elevated defensive line coach Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator. Leonard also served as defensive run game coordinator last season and now replaces Paul Guenther, who was dismissed in December. Leonard has coached the Raiders’ defensive line for three seasons and previously worked with the Giants, Dolphins, and Ravens.
This marks Leonard's first opportunity to run an NFL defense. The assignment is not easy.
Las Vegas allowed 25.4 points per game last season, eighth-most in the league, and generated just 16 takeaways, tied for ninth-fewest. The run defense was middle of the pack, allowing 116.8 yards per game, but the unit lacked impact plays.
Leonard’s relationship with Maxx Crosby will be central to this transition. Crosby’s long-term future has been described as uncertain, and retaining his buy-in is critical.
We’ll monitor Crosby’s status and offseason additions closely. If Crosby stays engaged and the Raiders invest in secondary help, this defense could rebound into streaming consideration. If not, it remains a unit to start your offensive player against, rather than one to trust.
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