Raiders Hire Andrew Janocko as OC and Promote Rob Leonard to DC

The Las Vegas Raiders hired Andrew Janocko as offensive coordinator following a 3-14 season and the firing of Pete Carroll.

The Las Vegas Raiders have officially hired Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko as their new offensive coordinator. According to sources cited by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday, Janocko will transition from his role in Seattle to lead the Raiders' offensive unit. This move follows a difficult 3-14 campaign for Las Vegas, a season that resulted in the dismissal of first-year head coach Pete Carroll. The organization is moving quickly to restructure its leadership after finishing with only three wins in seventeen games.

Reunited Coaching Staff in Las Vegas

Andrew Janocko Raiders offensive coordinator appointment marks a significant reunion with head coach Klint Kubiak. The two coaches share a professional history, having previously served on the same coaching staffs during tenures in both New Orleans and Seattle. Janocko’s move to the AFC West allows him to maintain a working relationship with Kubiak as they attempt to revitalize an offense that struggled during the previous season.

In a simultaneous move on Sunday, the Raiders finalized their defensive leadership by promoting Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator. Leonard previously served the franchise in a dual capacity as the run game coordinator and defensive line coach. These internal and external hires represent a total overhaul of the primary coordinator positions under the current administration.

Offensive Building Blocks and Draft Strategy

Despite the 3-14 record, the Raiders' roster features specific foundational players on the offensive side of the ball. Tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty are identified as the primary building blocks for the system Janocko will implement. These young assets will be central to the team's strategy as they look to improve upon their recent standing at the bottom of the league.

Future personnel acquisitions are already coming into focus for the front office. The Raiders currently hold the top overall selection in the 2026 NFL draft. With that number one pick, the franchise is widely expected to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner, is viewed as the long-term solution at the position for the Las Vegas franchise.

Tactical Shifts Following Pete Carroll Firing

The decision to pivot to Janocko comes after the team moved on from Pete Carroll, who lasted only one season in the head coaching role. The 3-14 finish necessitated a change in philosophy, leading to the integration of Kubiak and Janocko’s shared system. By securing a quarterbacks specialist from the Seahawks, the Raiders are prioritizing the development of the passing game ahead of their anticipated selection of Mendoza in 2026. The promotion of Leonard on the defensive side ensures continuity in the trenches while elevating a coach familiar with the existing defensive line personnel.