Sources: Raiders promoting assistant Rob Leonard to DC - ESPN

ESPN

by Ryan McFadden

February 15, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders have made a significant move by promoting Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator, as reported by ESPN. Leonard, who previously served as the team's run game coordinator and defensive line coach, will now oversee the entire defense. This promotion comes after an inconsistent 2025 season under former defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, which saw the Raiders finish 25th in points allowed and 14th in total yards allowed. However, the unit showed strength in stopping the run, ranking fourth in the league with 3.9 yards per carry allowed. Leonard's rise to prominence within the Raiders' coaching staff is a notable career milestone for him. He joined the team in 2023 and has worked closely with key defensive players like Maxx Crosby, whose future remains uncertain following the hiring of first-time head coach Klint Kubiak. Leonard's expertise in working with defensive linemen and his ability to develop talent was instrumental in the unit's performance last season. Players like Jonah Laulu and Tonka Hemingway showed growth, with Hemingway recording four sacks in the final five games. The Raiders' decision to retain Joe Woods as defensive pass game coordinator signals a collaborative approach to rebuilding the defense. This move is part of Kubiak's early efforts to reshape the team's coaching staff. Leonard's promotion reflects the organization's confidence in his ability to lead the defensive unit and implement a cohesive strategy under the new regime. His background includes stints with the Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens, where he honed his skills as both a linebackers and defensive line coach. This change is crucial for the Raiders' defense, which faced criticism for its inconsistency last season. With Leonard at the helm, the team aims to stabilize its defensive approach and improve areas like third-down conversions, which opponents exploited at a 46.3% success rate. The promotion also underscores Kubiak's focus on continuity within the staff while addressing the unit's shortcomings. Fans will be watching closely to see if Leonard can turn the Raiders' defense into a reliable force in the coming seasons. Leonard's journey from an assistant coach to defensive coordinator highlights his dedication and growing influence in the NFL coaching ranks. His ability to work with young players like Hemingway and La

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/15/2026