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Raiders rewind the clock by bringing back longtime defensive assistant

The Las Vegas Raiders, in honor of the city that they call home, are making some gambles early in the 2026 NFL offseason. Not only did they hire a first-time head coach in Klint Kubiak, who turned 39 on Tuesday, but OC Andrew Janocko, 37, and DC Rob Leonard, 38, are also rookies in their new jobs.

Following a season with 74-year-old Pete Carroll at the helm and 62-year-old Chip Kelly and 47-year-old Patrick Graham calling offensive and defensive plays, respectively, an injection of youth is the natural course, and a welcome decision by Raider Nation.

Equipping those coaches with a great supporting staff is critical, and Las Vegas just brought back a longtime Silver and Black coach to lead the defensive line: Travis Smith.