Sources: Raiders promoting assistant Rob Leonard to DC

las vegas raiders Run game coordinator/defensive line coach Rob Leonard is expected to be promoted to defensive coordinator, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Leonard has worked directly with the Raiders’ defensive ends max crosbyWhose future with the organization remains uncertain following the hiring of first-time head coach Clint Kubiak.

Leonard has been the defensive line coach in Las Vegas since 2023.

The Raiders are also retaining Joe Woods as defensive pass game coordinator, sources tell ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The Raiders defense was inconsistent throughout the 2025 season under former defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and coach Pete Carroll. Both coaches tried to combine their defensive philosophies, but the plan failed.

Las Vegas was 25th in points allowed (25.4) and 14th in total yards allowed (317.8). Opponents converted 46.3% of their third-down attempts against the Raiders.

Despite the Raiders’ struggles, the unit was solid against the run. Las Vegas gave up 3.9 yards per carry – fourth best in the league. Crosby finished with 10 sacks and 26 tackles. defensive tackle jona lulu Made significant progress in Year 2, totaling a career-best four sacks.

Cheater Tonka Hemingway The vibe flashed down. He recorded four sacks in the final five games of the regular season.

Before joining the Raiders staff, Leonard spent one season as the outside linebackers coach. Baltimore Ravens In 2022. He was a linebackers coach and assistant defensive line coach. miami dolphins (2019-2021).

Leonard was also an assistant coach of New York Giants From 2013 to 2018.

This is Kubiak’s second hire since being announced on Monday as the 25th coach in franchise history. The Raiders announced Friday that Mike McCoy will join the staff as assistant head coach.