NFL Fans Dream of Raiders Pairing Fernando Mendoza with Klint Kubiak in Draft amid HC Rumors

The Las Vegas Raiders appear to be on the verge of landing a rising star in the coaching ranks.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak "intends to try to work out a deal" to become the next head coach of the Raiders.

With Las Vegas holding the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, fans on social media couldn't help but fantasize about pairing Kubiak with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner.

Kubiak reportedly spent Saturday meeting with the Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals, the only two teams with remaining head coach openings. If he reaches a deal with Las Vegas, it won't be finalized until after Super Bowl LX next Sunday, where the Seahawks will face the New England Patriots.

Kubiak, who is the eldest son of former NFL coach Gary Kubiak, orchestrated a Seattle offense that ranked third in the NFL with 28.4 points per game and eighth with 351.4 total yards per game this season. He helped guide quarterback Sam Darnold to his second career Pro Bowl selection while completing a career-best 67.7 percent of his passes.

If Kubiak can have a similar impact on Mendoza, the Raiders will be able to emerge from their rebuild in no time. Mendoza led Indiana to an undefeated season and its first national championship in program history, throwing 41 touchdowns along the way against just six interceptions.

Las Vegas has some impressive young pieces on offense like tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, so Mendoza would already have a solid foundation to work with when he arrives in Sin City. With Kubiak running the show, the Raiders could surprise some teams in 2026 as they look to return to playoff contention.