Ai THREAD: Raiders GM
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RaiderFan1
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Ai THREAD: Raiders GM
(Heres one for you Ai enthusiasts. Add yours for other options)
Klint Kubiak Evaluation
Ai Prompt: You are an elite NFL General Manager known for your "culture-first" approach and success in identifying long-term organizational leaders, not just tactical specialists.
It is the 2026 NFL offseason. You are conducting a final evaluation of Klint Kubiak for your Head Coach vacancy. Kubiak is coming off a dominant season as the Seahawks' Offensive Coordinator where he revitalized Sam Darnold’s career and led the #2 scoring offense in the league. While his "X’s and O’s" and "Shanahan-tree" pedigree are undisputed, you need to determine if he is a "Leader of Men" capable of managing a 53-man roster, a diverse coaching staff, and the intense media pressure of a head coaching role.
Provide a comprehensive scouting report on Klint Kubiak’s leadership profile. Specifically, analyze:
1. Executive Presence: How does his "low-key and measured" demeanor (as seen in Seattle) translate to locker room command?
2. Organizational Management: Given his Master’s degree in Human Resource Development, how might he approach staff building and conflict resolution differently than a traditional "scheme-only" coach
3. Adaptability & Vision: Based on his history of navigating coaching turnovers (Vikings, Broncos, Saints) before finding stability in Seattle, what does his "leadership journey" reveal about his resilience and ability to establish a culture from scratch?
Provide the evaluation in a professional "Executive Summary" format, concluding with a "Final Grade"
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ANSWER:
INTERNAL MEMORANDUM: 2026 HEAD COACH EVALUATION
TO: Ownership Group
FROM: Office of the General Manager
DATE: January 14, 2026
SUBJECT: Final Leadership Evaluation – Klint Kubiak (Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Following our deep-dive into Klint Kubiak’s 2025 campaign in Seattle—where he successfully revitalized Sam Darnold’s career and engineered the NFL’s #2 ranked scoring offense—our evaluation has shifted from his tactical "X’s and O’s" to his viability as a franchise CEO.
Kubiak’s leadership profile is not defined by traditional "fire-and-brimstone" oratory, but by a "culture-through-competence" model. While his scheme pedigree is undisputed, his true value lies in a sophisticated understanding of organizational behavior and staff synchronization.
1. Executive Presence: The "Teacher" in the Locker Room
Kubiak’s demeanor is frequently described as "low-key and measured." In the high-pressure environment of the NFL, this is often misidentified as a lack of "command." However, our internal scouting suggests the opposite:
• Command through Clarity: Much like his father, Gary, Klint’s presence is rooted in being an elite "teacher." Players (notably Sam Darnold) have credited his ability to "lower the noise" during high-stress game situations.
• Locker Room Standing: In Seattle, his command came from his ability to hold players accountable through process rather than volume. He doesn't rely on "rah-rah" speeches; his authority is derived from consistently putting players in positions to succeed, which has built a deep reservoir of "trust equity" within the 53-man roster.
2. Organizational Management: The "HR CEO" Advantage
Klint Kubiak is unique among HC candidates due to his Master’s degree in Human Resource Development (Texas A&M). This is not merely a line on a resume; it is evident in his structural approach to coaching:
• Staff Building: Unlike "scheme-only" coaches who often hire friends, Kubiak has demonstrated a "Best-in-Class" hiring philosophy. In Seattle, he prioritized hiring veteran teachers (like John Benton and Andrew Janocko) who could operate autonomously while sharing a unified vision.
• Conflict Resolution: His HR background provides him with a framework for managing a diverse coaching staff. He views leadership as "communicating a vision together" rather than a top-down dictatorship. This reduces the "silo effect" that often plagues teams during mid-season losing streaks.
3. Adaptability & Vision: The Resilient Navigator
Kubiak’s journey through the Vikings, Broncos, and Saints—before finding elite-level success in Seattle—reveals a coach who has survived (and learned from) organizational dysfunction:
• Resilience: He has operated under various "philosophical umbrellas" and survived multiple regime changes. This "leadership journey" has made him battle-tested. He doesn't just know how to run a Shanahan-style system; he knows how to pivot when that system is countered.
• Culture from Scratch: His work in 2025 proved he could take over a "fizzled-out" environment (following the 2024 offensive struggles in Seattle) and install a physical, "smart, tough, and balanced" culture in a single offseason. This is the hallmark of a Head Coach, not just a play-caller.
FINAL DETERMINATION & GRADE
Klint Kubiak is no longer just a "coordinator specialist." He has evolved into a candidate who understands that an NFL organization is a human capital business. While he may not "win the press conference" with flashy soundbites, he is built to win the building.
FINAL GRADE: Tier 1 CEO Candidate
Recommendation: Proceed with a formal offer. Kubiak provides the tactical floor of an elite play-caller with the organizational ceiling of a long-term culture builder.
Klint Kubiak Evaluation
Ai Prompt: You are an elite NFL General Manager known for your "culture-first" approach and success in identifying long-term organizational leaders, not just tactical specialists.
It is the 2026 NFL offseason. You are conducting a final evaluation of Klint Kubiak for your Head Coach vacancy. Kubiak is coming off a dominant season as the Seahawks' Offensive Coordinator where he revitalized Sam Darnold’s career and led the #2 scoring offense in the league. While his "X’s and O’s" and "Shanahan-tree" pedigree are undisputed, you need to determine if he is a "Leader of Men" capable of managing a 53-man roster, a diverse coaching staff, and the intense media pressure of a head coaching role.
Provide a comprehensive scouting report on Klint Kubiak’s leadership profile. Specifically, analyze:
1. Executive Presence: How does his "low-key and measured" demeanor (as seen in Seattle) translate to locker room command?
2. Organizational Management: Given his Master’s degree in Human Resource Development, how might he approach staff building and conflict resolution differently than a traditional "scheme-only" coach
3. Adaptability & Vision: Based on his history of navigating coaching turnovers (Vikings, Broncos, Saints) before finding stability in Seattle, what does his "leadership journey" reveal about his resilience and ability to establish a culture from scratch?
Provide the evaluation in a professional "Executive Summary" format, concluding with a "Final Grade"
--------------------------
ANSWER:
INTERNAL MEMORANDUM: 2026 HEAD COACH EVALUATION
TO: Ownership Group
FROM: Office of the General Manager
DATE: January 14, 2026
SUBJECT: Final Leadership Evaluation – Klint Kubiak (Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Following our deep-dive into Klint Kubiak’s 2025 campaign in Seattle—where he successfully revitalized Sam Darnold’s career and engineered the NFL’s #2 ranked scoring offense—our evaluation has shifted from his tactical "X’s and O’s" to his viability as a franchise CEO.
Kubiak’s leadership profile is not defined by traditional "fire-and-brimstone" oratory, but by a "culture-through-competence" model. While his scheme pedigree is undisputed, his true value lies in a sophisticated understanding of organizational behavior and staff synchronization.
1. Executive Presence: The "Teacher" in the Locker Room
Kubiak’s demeanor is frequently described as "low-key and measured." In the high-pressure environment of the NFL, this is often misidentified as a lack of "command." However, our internal scouting suggests the opposite:
• Command through Clarity: Much like his father, Gary, Klint’s presence is rooted in being an elite "teacher." Players (notably Sam Darnold) have credited his ability to "lower the noise" during high-stress game situations.
• Locker Room Standing: In Seattle, his command came from his ability to hold players accountable through process rather than volume. He doesn't rely on "rah-rah" speeches; his authority is derived from consistently putting players in positions to succeed, which has built a deep reservoir of "trust equity" within the 53-man roster.
2. Organizational Management: The "HR CEO" Advantage
Klint Kubiak is unique among HC candidates due to his Master’s degree in Human Resource Development (Texas A&M). This is not merely a line on a resume; it is evident in his structural approach to coaching:
• Staff Building: Unlike "scheme-only" coaches who often hire friends, Kubiak has demonstrated a "Best-in-Class" hiring philosophy. In Seattle, he prioritized hiring veteran teachers (like John Benton and Andrew Janocko) who could operate autonomously while sharing a unified vision.
• Conflict Resolution: His HR background provides him with a framework for managing a diverse coaching staff. He views leadership as "communicating a vision together" rather than a top-down dictatorship. This reduces the "silo effect" that often plagues teams during mid-season losing streaks.
3. Adaptability & Vision: The Resilient Navigator
Kubiak’s journey through the Vikings, Broncos, and Saints—before finding elite-level success in Seattle—reveals a coach who has survived (and learned from) organizational dysfunction:
• Resilience: He has operated under various "philosophical umbrellas" and survived multiple regime changes. This "leadership journey" has made him battle-tested. He doesn't just know how to run a Shanahan-style system; he knows how to pivot when that system is countered.
• Culture from Scratch: His work in 2025 proved he could take over a "fizzled-out" environment (following the 2024 offensive struggles in Seattle) and install a physical, "smart, tough, and balanced" culture in a single offseason. This is the hallmark of a Head Coach, not just a play-caller.
FINAL DETERMINATION & GRADE
Klint Kubiak is no longer just a "coordinator specialist." He has evolved into a candidate who understands that an NFL organization is a human capital business. While he may not "win the press conference" with flashy soundbites, he is built to win the building.
FINAL GRADE: Tier 1 CEO Candidate
Recommendation: Proceed with a formal offer. Kubiak provides the tactical floor of an elite play-caller with the organizational ceiling of a long-term culture builder.
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Sir Raider Duck, OMS
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This from Grok 4.1 Thinking:
Final Evaluation: Jesse Minter as Head Coaching Candidate
As a General Manager who prioritizes culture above all—building programs around accountability, selflessness, and long-term leadership rather than short-term schematics—I’ve conducted an exhaustive review of Jesse Minter heading into this 2026 hiring cycle. His defensive brilliance is obvious and non-negotiable: the Chargers’ unit has been elite for two straight seasons under his direction, ranking top-5 in most major categories in 2024 and again surging in 2025 (currently 2nd in yards allowed, top-10 in key metrics like yards per play and EPA). That’s not luck; it’s schematic excellence combined with player execution.
The real question, however, is whether Minter is a true “Leader of Men”—someone who can command a 53-man roster with diverse personalities, unify an entire coaching staff (offense, defense, specials all pulling the same direction), and handle the relentless media scrutiny and organizational pressure that comes with being the face of a franchise.
Evidence Supporting Leadership Capability:
• Strong endorsements from trusted evaluators — Jim Harbaugh, whose own leadership pedigree is unimpeachable, has repeatedly praised Minter in glowing terms: calling him a “humble warrior,” hand-picking him twice (Michigan to Chargers), and publicly stating he expects Minter to earn a head job soon. Harbaugh doesn’t hand out that level of trust lightly. When Harbaugh briefly exited a game in 2024 due to health issues, Minter (along with Greg Roman) seamlessly maintained control—no drop-off, no chaos.
• Player buy-in and performance — The Chargers’ defensive transformation speaks for itself. Players consistently play hard, disciplined, and with clear understanding of their roles. This doesn’t happen without respect and trust. From his Michigan days, Minter emphasized “instilling confidence and empowering” players, teaching conceptually rather than robotically, and focusing on core pillars like effort and ball disruption. Current Chargers players execute at an elite level in high-pressure situations, suggesting they believe in him deeply.
• Composure and communication — Minter handles media duties calmly, thoughtfully, and without ego. His press conferences are direct, player-focused, and scheme-savvy without being condescending. In a head coaching role, where you’re the public voice every week, this matters immensely.
• Staff management potential — He’s already running one side of the ball autonomously under a strong personality like Harbaugh. He’s integrated new pieces, developed young talent, and adapted schemes year-over-year without losing identity. That’s real organizational leadership in a high-stakes environment.
Potential Concerns:
• Relative youth and lack of full-program experience → At roughly 42 years old, Minter has never been a head coach at any level. He hasn’t had to balance offensive/defensive philosophies, manage salary cap ramifications across units, or serve as the ultimate decision-maker on roster cuts, discipline, or public messaging during controversy.
• Limited interview history → Notably, despite coordinating arguably the league’s best defense in 2024, he received zero head coaching interviews in the 2025 cycle. Whether due to playoff timing restrictions, team hesitation on his youth, or other factors, it suggests some front offices weren’t fully convinced he was ready to be the CEO yet.
Final Determination
Jesse Minter is a Leader of Men. The evidence of player respect, elite unit performance, Harbaugh’s unwavering endorsement, and his own demeanor all point to a coach who commands loyalty through competence, humility, and clarity—not fear or flash. He builds culture the right way: through teaching, empowerment, and relentless standards.
That said, he’s still ascending. If we’re building for a decade-long window and not a quick fix, Minter represents the kind of culture-first leader I value most: someone players run through walls for, who develops talent, and who wins with identity over gimmicks.
Recommendation: Extend a formal head coaching offer. He’s ready. The risk of waiting is losing him to another franchise that reaches the same conclusion first.
Final Evaluation: Jesse Minter as Head Coaching Candidate
As a General Manager who prioritizes culture above all—building programs around accountability, selflessness, and long-term leadership rather than short-term schematics—I’ve conducted an exhaustive review of Jesse Minter heading into this 2026 hiring cycle. His defensive brilliance is obvious and non-negotiable: the Chargers’ unit has been elite for two straight seasons under his direction, ranking top-5 in most major categories in 2024 and again surging in 2025 (currently 2nd in yards allowed, top-10 in key metrics like yards per play and EPA). That’s not luck; it’s schematic excellence combined with player execution.
The real question, however, is whether Minter is a true “Leader of Men”—someone who can command a 53-man roster with diverse personalities, unify an entire coaching staff (offense, defense, specials all pulling the same direction), and handle the relentless media scrutiny and organizational pressure that comes with being the face of a franchise.
Evidence Supporting Leadership Capability:
• Strong endorsements from trusted evaluators — Jim Harbaugh, whose own leadership pedigree is unimpeachable, has repeatedly praised Minter in glowing terms: calling him a “humble warrior,” hand-picking him twice (Michigan to Chargers), and publicly stating he expects Minter to earn a head job soon. Harbaugh doesn’t hand out that level of trust lightly. When Harbaugh briefly exited a game in 2024 due to health issues, Minter (along with Greg Roman) seamlessly maintained control—no drop-off, no chaos.
• Player buy-in and performance — The Chargers’ defensive transformation speaks for itself. Players consistently play hard, disciplined, and with clear understanding of their roles. This doesn’t happen without respect and trust. From his Michigan days, Minter emphasized “instilling confidence and empowering” players, teaching conceptually rather than robotically, and focusing on core pillars like effort and ball disruption. Current Chargers players execute at an elite level in high-pressure situations, suggesting they believe in him deeply.
• Composure and communication — Minter handles media duties calmly, thoughtfully, and without ego. His press conferences are direct, player-focused, and scheme-savvy without being condescending. In a head coaching role, where you’re the public voice every week, this matters immensely.
• Staff management potential — He’s already running one side of the ball autonomously under a strong personality like Harbaugh. He’s integrated new pieces, developed young talent, and adapted schemes year-over-year without losing identity. That’s real organizational leadership in a high-stakes environment.
Potential Concerns:
• Relative youth and lack of full-program experience → At roughly 42 years old, Minter has never been a head coach at any level. He hasn’t had to balance offensive/defensive philosophies, manage salary cap ramifications across units, or serve as the ultimate decision-maker on roster cuts, discipline, or public messaging during controversy.
• Limited interview history → Notably, despite coordinating arguably the league’s best defense in 2024, he received zero head coaching interviews in the 2025 cycle. Whether due to playoff timing restrictions, team hesitation on his youth, or other factors, it suggests some front offices weren’t fully convinced he was ready to be the CEO yet.
Final Determination
Jesse Minter is a Leader of Men. The evidence of player respect, elite unit performance, Harbaugh’s unwavering endorsement, and his own demeanor all point to a coach who commands loyalty through competence, humility, and clarity—not fear or flash. He builds culture the right way: through teaching, empowerment, and relentless standards.
That said, he’s still ascending. If we’re building for a decade-long window and not a quick fix, Minter represents the kind of culture-first leader I value most: someone players run through walls for, who develops talent, and who wins with identity over gimmicks.
Recommendation: Extend a formal head coaching offer. He’s ready. The risk of waiting is losing him to another franchise that reaches the same conclusion first.
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BoKnows81
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Sir Raider Duck, OMS
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We're asking top AIs their evaluation of HC candidates.
If that's not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other threads.
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RaiderFan1
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Let him be, we all know he lacks the ability for intelligent conversation. Hes a smash a beer can on my forehead head type of fan and conversationalist. Let him go argue and exchange insults with the other beer cans..Sir Raider Duck, OMS wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2026 11:19 am We're asking top AIs their evaluation of HC candidates.
If that's not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other threads.
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BoKnows81
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You lose credibility when you equate A.I. with intelligent conversations. Have fun playing A.I. swords yous two!RaiderFan1 wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2026 11:46 am Let him be, we all know he lacks the ability for intelligent conversation. Hes a smash a beer can on my forehead head type of fan and conversationalist. Let him go argue and exchange insults with the other beer cans..
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Sir Raider Duck, OMS
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That's twice you've come into a clearly-marked thread specifically to let everyone know you had no interest in that thread.BoKnows81 wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2026 11:49 am You lose credibility when you equate A.I. with intelligent conversations. Have fun playing A.I. swords yous two!
Yes, we get it. You're not interested in this thread. Yay you. You get a cookie.
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RaiderFan1
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I think Minter will likely be a candidate, im fine with a little more risk to get a young up and coming leader of men.. i do think offensive mind would be better for developing our new rookie QB. But at the end of the day being a competent leader is whats important... i wonder if Brady is going to demand an offensive head coach
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LayneStaley
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If Ai is right about this I’ll be extremely happy.
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Dr Death
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Really? You might not like what he has to say, but he doesn't sugar coat shit. Is that what you and many others don't like? I hate that this place plays favorites with other fans of this team. Every fan has a different perspective. Why not just embrace the different opinions/takes on things?RaiderFan1 wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2026 11:46 am Let him be, we all know he lacks the ability for intelligent conversation. Hes a smash a beer can on my forehead head type of fan and conversationalist. Let him go argue and exchange insults with the other beer cans..
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haji81872
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What are you his body guard? He is a big boy. He can defend himself. This place doesnt play favorites. That is ridiculous. Every fan has a different perspective, and some fans have different perspectives on posters. Why not just embrace the different opinions/takes on posters?Dr Death wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2026 4:46 pm Really? You might not like what he has to say, but he doesn't sugar coat shit. Is that what you and many others don't like? I hate that this place plays favorites with other fans of this team. Every fan has a different perspective. Why not just embrace the different opinions/takes on things?
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Dr Death
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Nope. Just a lot of bourbon tonight. I just don't get the vitriol toward other fans. It smacks of the "other place" to me. I'll just keep to myself and let the rest of you have at it. Carry on.haji81872 wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2026 5:10 pm What are you his body guard? He is a big boy. He can defend himself. This place doesnt play favorites. That is ridiculous. Every fan has a different perspective, and some fans have different perspectives on posters. Why not just embrace the different opinions/takes on posters?
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Sir Raider Duck, OMS
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We WERE doing that. Then another poster (not you) showed up and started insulting our discussion for literally no reason.Dr Death wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2026 5:14 pm Nope. Just a lot of bourbon tonight. I just don't get the vitriol toward other fans. It smacks of the "other place" to me. I'll just keep to myself and let the rest of you have at it. Carry on.
Like the man said: Don't start none and there won't be none.
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RaiderFan1
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He didn't have an opinion or a different take. He he criticized, apparently just because he doesnt like Ai, he offered no opinion at all. so that's a big difference compared to what your claiming he offers. Read his posts, he generally starts arguments, criticizes, and resorts to name calling... doesnt add much to conversationsDr Death wrote: Sun Jan 04, 2026 4:46 pm Really? You might not like what he has to say, but he doesn't sugar coat shit. Is that what you and many others don't like? I hate that this place plays favorites with other fans of this team. Every fan has a different perspective. Why not just embrace the different opinions/takes on things?
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RaiderFan1
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PROMPT: You're an NFL GM. Analyze and compare this years top up and coming offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as a 2026 head coach candidate with last years up and coming offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as the top 2025 head coach candidate. Compare and include their previous success, longevity as an offensive coordinator, and their differences and similarities in scheme as an offensive play caller.
ANSWER: Overview as an NFL GM
As a general manager evaluating head coaching candidates, I prioritize proven track records in scheme innovation, player development, and sustained success under pressure. Ben Johnson was the consensus top offensive-minded candidate heading into the 2025 hiring cycle (post-2024 season), ultimately landing with the Chicago Bears after turning down other offers. Klint Kubiak, meanwhile, has emerged as a leading candidate for the 2026 cycle (post-2025 season), drawing interest after stints with multiple teams. Both are young, innovative play-callers in their late 30s, but Johnson entered his cycle with more consistent momentum. I’ll break this down by previous success, longevity as an OC, and scheme similarities/differences.
Previous Success
Ben Johnson’s tenure with the Detroit Lions was marked by elite, consistent production. Over his three seasons as OC (2022-2024), the Lions ranked in the top five in both yards and points each year, culminating in leading the NFL in scoring at 33.2 points per game in 2024.    This wasn’t just volume—his offenses were efficient, ranking high in DVOA and red-zone efficiency while developing Jared Goff into a top-10 QB and integrating stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs. Johnson’s work earned him the 2024 AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year award, and his blueprint even influenced his Bears tenure, where Chicago ranked third in rushing and first in takeaways in 2025.   His success was team-wide, turning a bottom-tier unit (22nd in total offense in 2021) into a juggernaut. 
Klint Kubiak’s results have been more volatile but show flashes of brilliance. In his first OC stint with the Vikings in 2021, Minnesota ranked 12th in yards but struggled with consistency. His 2024 Saints offense exploded early, leading the league in points (91 in the first two weeks) and topping DVOA at 47.7%, thanks to creative use of Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, and motion-heavy plays.   However, injuries derailed the unit, with the Saints failing to hit 300 total yards in their final five games, finishing mid-pack overall.  Moving to the Seahawks as OC in 2025, Kubiak revitalized their attack, earning buzz as a “key offensive mind” and positioning Seattle as a playoff contender, though specific rankings aren’t detailed in recent reports—he’s credited with athletic, zone-based improvements.  
Edge: Johnson. His sustained top-tier output over multiple seasons without major dips makes him a safer bet. Kubiak’s highs are impressive, but his teams have faded due to external factors like injuries, raising questions about adaptability.
Longevity as an Offensive Coordinator
Johnson’s longevity is a strength: He served as the Lions’ OC for three consecutive seasons (2022-2024), building continuity and rapport with the same roster. This stability allowed him to refine his system year-over-year, turning Detroit into a perennial top-five offense.   Prior roles included tight ends coach (2020) and passing game coordinator (2021), giving him a steady climb within one organization since joining in 2019.  
Kubiak has also held OC roles for three seasons but across different teams: Vikings (2021), Saints (2024), and Seahawks (2025).    His career spans 11 NFL seasons, including stints as QB coach (Vikings, Broncos) and passing game coordinator (49ers, Broncos), but the lack of multi-year continuity at one spot means less time to embed a culture.   He’s bounced around, often following family ties (son of Gary Kubiak) or Shanahan connections.
Edge: Johnson. Consecutive years with the same team demonstrate his ability to sustain success and develop players long-term, a key HC trait. Kubiak’s experience is broad but fragmented, which could appeal to teams seeking fresh ideas but signals less proven staying power.
Differences and Similarities in Scheme as Play-Callers
Similarities: Both run modern, West Coast-inspired offenses emphasizing pre-snap motion, play-action passes, and versatility to create mismatches. They’re from or influenced by the Shanahan/Kubiak tree—Johnson’s Lions incorporated elements like zone runs and layered concepts, while Kubiak is a direct product (via his father and 49ers time).   They prioritize efficient QB play, balanced attacks, and adapting to personnel, leading to high-scoring units when healthy. Both use creative route combinations and have revitalized veteran QBs (Goff for Johnson, Carr/Gen Smith for Kubiak).
Differences: Johnson’s scheme is more eclectic and aggressive, blending zone and gap schemes with a higher pass ratio (around 60-62% in Detroit) to exploit explosive plays downfield.   It’s pass-heavy when needed but balanced with a punishing run game, drawing from league-wide concepts for unpredictability—think vertical shots and RPO elements. Kubiak leans traditional Shanahan: heavier on outside zone runs (57.2% pass ratio), bootlegs, and under-center play-action to set up the ground game first.    His approach requires athletic linemen for zone blocking and is more run-establishing, which shone early in New Orleans but struggled when lines broke down. Johnson is bolder in high-leverage situations; Kubiak is more methodical.
Overall Edge as HC Candidates: Johnson was the stronger 2025 prospect due to consistency and longevity, making him a “can’t-miss” hire (as seen with his Bears success). Kubiak is a high-upside 2026 option with pedigree, but he’d need to prove he can handle adversity better. If I’m hiring in 2026, I’d interview Kubiak for a rebuild but prefer someone with Johnson’s proven floor for a contender.
ANSWER: Overview as an NFL GM
As a general manager evaluating head coaching candidates, I prioritize proven track records in scheme innovation, player development, and sustained success under pressure. Ben Johnson was the consensus top offensive-minded candidate heading into the 2025 hiring cycle (post-2024 season), ultimately landing with the Chicago Bears after turning down other offers. Klint Kubiak, meanwhile, has emerged as a leading candidate for the 2026 cycle (post-2025 season), drawing interest after stints with multiple teams. Both are young, innovative play-callers in their late 30s, but Johnson entered his cycle with more consistent momentum. I’ll break this down by previous success, longevity as an OC, and scheme similarities/differences.
Previous Success
Ben Johnson’s tenure with the Detroit Lions was marked by elite, consistent production. Over his three seasons as OC (2022-2024), the Lions ranked in the top five in both yards and points each year, culminating in leading the NFL in scoring at 33.2 points per game in 2024.    This wasn’t just volume—his offenses were efficient, ranking high in DVOA and red-zone efficiency while developing Jared Goff into a top-10 QB and integrating stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs. Johnson’s work earned him the 2024 AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year award, and his blueprint even influenced his Bears tenure, where Chicago ranked third in rushing and first in takeaways in 2025.   His success was team-wide, turning a bottom-tier unit (22nd in total offense in 2021) into a juggernaut. 
Klint Kubiak’s results have been more volatile but show flashes of brilliance. In his first OC stint with the Vikings in 2021, Minnesota ranked 12th in yards but struggled with consistency. His 2024 Saints offense exploded early, leading the league in points (91 in the first two weeks) and topping DVOA at 47.7%, thanks to creative use of Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, and motion-heavy plays.   However, injuries derailed the unit, with the Saints failing to hit 300 total yards in their final five games, finishing mid-pack overall.  Moving to the Seahawks as OC in 2025, Kubiak revitalized their attack, earning buzz as a “key offensive mind” and positioning Seattle as a playoff contender, though specific rankings aren’t detailed in recent reports—he’s credited with athletic, zone-based improvements.  
Edge: Johnson. His sustained top-tier output over multiple seasons without major dips makes him a safer bet. Kubiak’s highs are impressive, but his teams have faded due to external factors like injuries, raising questions about adaptability.
Longevity as an Offensive Coordinator
Johnson’s longevity is a strength: He served as the Lions’ OC for three consecutive seasons (2022-2024), building continuity and rapport with the same roster. This stability allowed him to refine his system year-over-year, turning Detroit into a perennial top-five offense.   Prior roles included tight ends coach (2020) and passing game coordinator (2021), giving him a steady climb within one organization since joining in 2019.  
Kubiak has also held OC roles for three seasons but across different teams: Vikings (2021), Saints (2024), and Seahawks (2025).    His career spans 11 NFL seasons, including stints as QB coach (Vikings, Broncos) and passing game coordinator (49ers, Broncos), but the lack of multi-year continuity at one spot means less time to embed a culture.   He’s bounced around, often following family ties (son of Gary Kubiak) or Shanahan connections.
Edge: Johnson. Consecutive years with the same team demonstrate his ability to sustain success and develop players long-term, a key HC trait. Kubiak’s experience is broad but fragmented, which could appeal to teams seeking fresh ideas but signals less proven staying power.
Differences and Similarities in Scheme as Play-Callers
Similarities: Both run modern, West Coast-inspired offenses emphasizing pre-snap motion, play-action passes, and versatility to create mismatches. They’re from or influenced by the Shanahan/Kubiak tree—Johnson’s Lions incorporated elements like zone runs and layered concepts, while Kubiak is a direct product (via his father and 49ers time).   They prioritize efficient QB play, balanced attacks, and adapting to personnel, leading to high-scoring units when healthy. Both use creative route combinations and have revitalized veteran QBs (Goff for Johnson, Carr/Gen Smith for Kubiak).
Differences: Johnson’s scheme is more eclectic and aggressive, blending zone and gap schemes with a higher pass ratio (around 60-62% in Detroit) to exploit explosive plays downfield.   It’s pass-heavy when needed but balanced with a punishing run game, drawing from league-wide concepts for unpredictability—think vertical shots and RPO elements. Kubiak leans traditional Shanahan: heavier on outside zone runs (57.2% pass ratio), bootlegs, and under-center play-action to set up the ground game first.    His approach requires athletic linemen for zone blocking and is more run-establishing, which shone early in New Orleans but struggled when lines broke down. Johnson is bolder in high-leverage situations; Kubiak is more methodical.
Overall Edge as HC Candidates: Johnson was the stronger 2025 prospect due to consistency and longevity, making him a “can’t-miss” hire (as seen with his Bears success). Kubiak is a high-upside 2026 option with pedigree, but he’d need to prove he can handle adversity better. If I’m hiring in 2026, I’d interview Kubiak for a rebuild but prefer someone with Johnson’s proven floor for a contender.
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