Report: Raiders expected to promote Leonard to defensive coordinator

The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to promote defensive line coach and run game coordinator Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator, sources told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Leonard marks new head coach Klint Kubiak's first key hire. Before landing on Leonard, Kubiak interviewed a few candidates, including Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Leonard has been with the Raiders organization for the last three seasons. He arrived in 2023 after one season as the outside linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens.

Maxx Crosby, who has been the subject of trade rumors to start the offseason, is reportedly close with Leonard. Crosby recorded 73 tackles and 10 sacks in 15 games last year with Leonard as his position coach.

The Raiders' defense finished 17th in success rate and 20th in EPA/play last season, according to Ben Baldwin's database.