Raiders OC Andrew Janocko's Paramount Importance Heading into 2026

The Las Vegas Raiders' head coaching position has seen many come and go. Yet the Raiders have struggled to find a competent offensive coordinator even more than they have with their head coach. Klint Kubiak's offensive expertise will help the Raiders' offense, which was by design.

Kubiak's presence, along with offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko, essentially gives the Raiders two strong offensive minds working together. After years of instability at the offensive coordinator position, the way the Raiders have the top level of the offensive braintrust was a wise move.

Raiders' History

The Raiders have had a long list of offensive coordinators come and go over the last five years, especially when counting interim coordinators that were not retained. Of all of the problems Las Vegas has had over the past few seasons, offensive coordinator is at the top of that list.

After last season's misfire that made Chip Kelly the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the league, Las Vegas has improved the roster, and they believe, the coaching staff. Along with Kubiak and Fernando Mendoza, Janocko is one of the most important people the Raiders have.

It is fair to assume that their familiarity will help shorten their respective transitions to Las Vegas and elevated job titles, but how Janocko and Kubiak remain to be seen. Not only will Kubiak's staff mesh new faces and coaching styles together, they will also have largely a new team.

It always takes offenses a little longer to get things together at the start of the season. That will especially be the case in Las Vegas, but Janocko, in tandem with Kubiak, could help expedite the process. Kubiak recently explained his confidence in Janocko to develop Mendoza and the offense.

"Well, I think you just look at his resume and the guys that he's worked with from [Kirk] Cousins to [Derek] Carr to Sam [Darnold]. I think everywhere he's gone guys have produced. I think you guys will learn this about Andrew [Janocko],” Kubiak said at the NFL Annual Meetings.

“Andrew is just a really, really phenomenal teacher. He knows how to keep it simple for the guys, and he works his tail off to make sure he's prepared to go lead those meetings every day. I couldn't ask for a better quarterback coach, offensive coordinator than Andrew. He's going to do a great job."

As the Raiders move into a new era, Kubiak's arrival may be the headliner, but the first few years of that era will largely be determined by Janocko's ability to get the Raiders' offense going. Many have tried, and many have failed, but few have had the supporting cast Janocko has and will be given.

At this point, there is reason to believe he will help turn the Raiders' offense around, but considering the recent history of the Raiders' offensive coordinator position, it is also fair to wonder what that will look like for the Raiders moving forward. Janocko's importance cannot be overstated.