The Raiders enter the 2026 season looking to turn the page after back-to-back disappointing campaigns. Las Vegas won just seven games over the past two seasons, including a 3-14 finish in 2025, and heads into the year with another new head coach leading the franchise.
Klint Kubiak is the fourth full-time coach to take over since Jon Gruden's departure in 2021.
While the Raiders continue to reshape the roster, players have already started getting a feel for Kubiak's approach during meetings and offseason work. One player who has quickly taken notice is star defensive end Maxx Crosby.
Speaking on the "Ball in the Family Podcast" with Lonzo and Gelo Ball, Crosby shared what has stood out to him most about the Raiders' new head coach, saying Kubiak has been consistent in the way he holds everyone accountable.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
“Coach Kubiak is like – if you talk to him, he’s like monotone. He's super calm, everything's super chill, but like he's all about ball,” Crosby said. “He keeps it black and white. He don't give a [expletive] who he's calling out. We're in a meeting, he'll call me out just like he'll call the practice squad guy out. And that's something I appreciate… You want that, and you know it sucks in the moment, but ultimately, that's going to get the best version of yourself.”
The Raiders are expected to open training camp with veteran Kirk Cousins as their starting quarterback, giving No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza time to develop without being rushed into the lineup.
Mendoza has previously said he plans to learn from both Cousins and Aidan O'Connell while preparing for his opportunity.
Crosby, meanwhile, remains the centerpiece of the Raiders' defense after another productive season.
As Las Vegas looks to climb back into contention, Kubiak will rely on veterans like Crosby to help establish the standard while the team's younger players continue settling into their roles.
