The Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly hired their next defensive coordinator.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Raiders are promoting run-game coordinator and defensive line coach Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator.
"Raiders are finalizing a deal to promote run game coordinator/defensive line coach Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator, per source," Schefter reported.
While we knew Leonard was a candidate for the job, it is still a bit surprising to see a new head coach in Klint Kubiak promote a coach who was on the previous staff. Regardless, Leonard is well-qualified for the job.
Leonard got his start as a coach in the league after he was hired as a defensive assistant with the New York Giants in 2013, a role he held until 2016 before he was promoted to assistant defensive line coach in 2017 and then assistant linebackers coach in 2018.
Leonard then spent three years with the Miami Dolphins and one season with the Baltimore Ravens before being hired in Las Vegas in 2023.
After serving as defensive line coach for two seasons, Leonard had the title of defensive run-game coordinator added.
As Schefter points out, Leonard has worked closely with Maxx Crosby, so maybe this will help sway Crosby to want to stay if he is thinking about requesting a trade.
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