Klay Kubiak Emerges as a Surprise Head Coaching Candidate as Steelers and Raiders Circle

As the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, much of the league’s attention has understandably focused on the San Francisco 49ers’ coordinators on both sides of the ball. It has long felt inevitable that Robert Saleh will once again land a head coaching opportunity.

However, another name inside the 49ers’ building is quietly gaining traction across the league, and that name is Klay Kubiak.

Over the weekend, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero revealed that Kubiak has become something of a wild card in this year’s hiring cycle. While not initially viewed as a frontrunner, league interest in the 49ers’ offensive coordinator appears to be accelerating.

“There are some wild cards, like Klay Kubiak, the 49ers’ offensive coordinator,” Pelissero said. “Kyle Shanahan absolutely loves him. He is the other Kubiak in this cycle.”

Pelissero noted that while Klint Kubiak conducted several interviews during Seattle’s bye week, teams should not overlook the possibility that Klay Kubiak could unexpectedly emerge as a legitimate head coaching candidate.

That possibility may be especially relevant for the Pittsburgh Steelers, a franchise historically rooted in defensive leadership. According to Pelissero, there is growing belief around the league that Pittsburgh may finally be willing to pivot philosophically and consider an offensive-minded head coach for the first time in decades.

The Steelers are not alone in their interest. The Las Vegas Raiders have also formally requested permission to interview Kubiak for their head coaching vacancy, signaling that his profile is rising quickly within league circles.

If Kubiak were to leave San Francisco, it would not be for a lateral move. That much was made clear by head coach Kyle Shanahan, who addressed the situation directly during a postgame press conference.

When asked whether he would block another team from hiring Kubiak as an offensive coordinator, Shanahan left little room for ambiguity.

“He’s our offensive coordinator,” Shanahan said. “So I don’t know why you would let him be somebody else’s offensive coordinator.”

Shanahan went on to emphasize Kubiak’s role in the offense, noting that he “calls a lot of plays here,” a statement that underscores just how integral Kubiak has become to San Francisco’s offensive operation.

It is no secret that Shanahan holds his coaching staff in extremely high regard. Speaking more broadly about his coordinators, Shanahan delivered a strong endorsement that may have only fueled league-wide interest.

“They’ve been unbelievable,” Shanahan told reporters. “I love both those guys. Two as good of coaches as I’ve been around. I know both of them will be head coaches, whether it’s in a week or so, or whether it’s over the next two years.”

That confidence is backed by performance. Despite dealing with significant injuries throughout the season, the 49ers’ offense remained one of the league’s most efficient and consistent units. Scheme adaptability, play sequencing, and situational execution all remained strengths even as personnel changed week to week.

On the defensive side, injuries were even more severe, yet San Francisco continued to excel in critical areas. The unit limited explosive plays and tightened up in the red zone, showing resilience and discipline despite lacking full health.

Those results only strengthen the argument that San Francisco’s coordinators are operating at a head-coach-caliber level. The only remaining question is not if they will be hired away, but when.

From a timing standpoint, the league will soon find out whether the 49ers lose their coordinators immediately in this hiring cycle or manage to retain them for another season. Either outcome appears plausible, but momentum suggests the window may be narrowing.

For teams like the Steelers and Raiders, Klay Kubiak represents more than just a rising assistant. He symbolizes a potential philosophical shift—toward offensive innovation, adaptability, and modern schematic thinking.

As interviews continue and front offices finalize their shortlists, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Klay Kubiak is no longer flying under the radar.

Whether his next step comes within weeks or further down the line, the league has taken notice—and the 49ers may soon be preparing for life without one of their most valued architects.