We’re officially in the “New Year” of the NFL—the offseason—and the temperature is already boiling over who should lead this team and who should be under center come September.
Written By: Raider Wil
January 16th 2026
From heated debates over Mike Tomlin to the growing hype around Clint Kubiak, here is everything you need to know from the latest session.
The Coaching Carousel: Experience vs. Innovation
The most explosive segment of the show involved a “round two” battle with James, who came in pounding the table for Mike Tomlin. While no one denies Tomlin’s 19 straight winning seasons, the cost is the sticking point. James argued that the Raiders should “give up whatever it takes,” including a first-round pick, to land the Steelers’ icon.
The counter-argument was swift and brutal:
- The Price Tag: Why surrender the #1 overall pick for a coach when the team is devoid of a franchise QB and a stable O-line?
- The Culture Gap: Critics argued that Tomlin succeeded in Pittsburgh because of the stability of the Rooney family. Transplanting him into the Raiders’ current “shambles” without a GM or a culture might not yield the same results.
The “Kubiak Hype”
On the other end of the spectrum is the “young mind” movement. Clint Kubiak (Saints/Vikings pedigree) is currently the “shiny trophy” in the eyes of many fans.
“Why not bring in a young offensive coordinator that has made play calls, managed the clock, and can grow with a young quarterback?” Raider Wil
While some skeptics (looking at you, James) claim Kubiak hasn’t “developed” anyone, the room reminded us that Sam Darnold’s career resurgence didn’t happen by accident. The consensus? It might be time to stop recycling “retreads” and find the next long-term leader who can stay for 20 years, not just 5.
The Quarterback Conundrum: Mendoza or Bust?
The draft talk is dominated by one name: Fernando Mendoza. Whether you’re listening to ABBA or not, Mendoza is the consensus #1 pick for a reason. However, the podcast crew offered a reality check:
- Support Your QB: Drafting a “Gentie” or a “Mendoza” is useless if you don’t address the offensive line in free agency first.
- The “Joe Burrow” Pipe Dream: A hypothetical was thrown out—would you trade the #1 pick for Joe Burrow? The answer was a resounding YES. Burrow represents a proven winner who can succeed even without a perfect line.
- The Trade-Back Scenario: If a team like the Jets offers three first-rounders to move up one spot, the Raiders have to listen. Building depth and “hogs” on the line might be more valuable than a single rookie QB.
Looking Ahead: Draft Day in Pittsburgh
Raider Nation is already planning the takeover of Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft (April 23-25).
- The Plan: Arrival on Wednesday, Draft on Thursday/Friday, and a bucket-list trip to the Hall of Fame in Canton (only 2 hours away) on Saturday.
- Chapter Leaders: If you’re heading to the Steel City, reach out on Instagram to coordinate. We’re looking to turn Pittsburgh Silver and Black for the weekend.
Community Corner
Mark your calendars for the Black Hole/Inland Empire Easter Event on March 21st in Fontana. It’s a family-focused day with food, baskets for the kids, and a chance to give back to the community.
Also, shoutout to Raidermation Ron Bradley for the “Chidolinus” cartoon character—capturing the tooth and the personality perfectly. Support local artists who are keeping the Raider culture alive in the age of AI!
Stay safe, stay loud, and as always—JUST WIN, BABY!