Chiefs Receive Bad News About Raiders' Rivalry

It was a nightmare season for the Kansas City Chiefs, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL with only a few remaining in a lost year. Kansas City had to wake up with the realization this offseason that the 30-year-old quarterback could miss time in 2026.

Although nothing can be more frightening than seeing your franchise quarterback sustain a major knee injury, Sunday's news about the Las Vegas Raiders' new head coach comes in at a distant second.

ESPN's Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is expected to be the new head coach in Las Vegas.

Source: After meeting Saturday with Las Vegas and Arizona, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak intends to try to work out a deal to become the next head coach of the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/KlFQiVlDy4
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 1, 2026

The writing has been on the wall for this hire, as Kubiak has been viewed as the best offensive mind in this hiring cycle, and the Raiders allowing other candidates to join other teams hinted that a deal was in the making between the two parties. Not to mention, Tom Brady, who is part of Las Vegas' ownership group, called Seattle's last two playoff games for FOX. The seven-time Super Bowl Champion had a front row seat to Kubiak's innovative scheme.

With it becoming official, the Chiefs now have to focus on the Raiders moving forward, which has not been the case for quite some time. Let's assess how this hire affects the Chiefs.

Las Vegas' Path to Success has Been Set

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) against the Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This is the best hire the Raiders could have orchestrated from this offseason. Yes, John Harbaugh catapulted to the top of the list of desirable coaches available, but the 62-year-old was not the best fit for Las Vegas.

The Raiders own the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will presumably be quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and pairing a rookie quarterback with one of the best play-callers in the league has the highest probability of successfully developing Mendoza.

It took one year for Kubiak to revitalize Seattle's offense in Sam Darnold's first year as the starting quarterback. There is no reason not to believe that the 38-year-old can replicate that level of success in Las Vegas.

Raiders Have the Resources to Develop into a Playoff Contender

Dec 7, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) reacts with running back Ashton Jeanty (2) after catching a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The AFC playoffs potentially became more crowded with Kubiak filling Las Vegas' head coach vacancy. The Raiders' roster still has several needs, but the foundational pieces are there. Mendoza, assuming he is selected with the first pick, the former Indiana quarterback will have elite weaponry to expedite his development, with tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty.

Additionally, Las Vegas is projected to have $90 million in cap space, and with a rookie quarterback, the Raiders can splurge in free agency to address obvious needs across the roster. Kansas City's road to an AFC West title was already tedious with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers in the way. Las Vegas has to be considered a legitimate threat in the division moving forward.

For more insight and breaking news on the Kansas City Chiefs, go register for our FREE newsletter -- an email with all the latest news each morning … SIGN UP HERE NOW.