The Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a deal to promote assistant coach Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator, per @AdamSchefter. Leonard, who has served as the team’s defensive line coach and run game coordinator for the past three seasons, will now lead the defense under new head coach Klint Kubiak.
Leonard is highly regarded within the organization and has developed a close working relationship with star defensive end Maxx Crosby. The promotion comes after the Raiders conducted a thorough search for a new defensive leader, which included interviews with Aubrey Pleasant of the Los Angeles Rams and DeMarcus Covington of the Green Bay Packers.
Before joining the Raiders in 2023, Leonard spent time as an assistant with the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and Baltimore Ravens. His elevation to coordinator is seen as a key move for Kubiak’s inaugural staff as the Raiders look to rebuild following the departure of Pete Carroll and prepare for the upcoming NFL Draft, where they currently hold the No. 1 overall pick.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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