Pete Carroll wisely made his top priority upon taking the Raiders job to retain defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. And with Graham’s return it seemed likely defensive line coach Rob Leonard would be back as well.
Leonard’s return is now confirmed and he does so with the added title of running game coordinator.
The #Raiders are retaining DL coach Rob Leonard and adding run-game coordinator to his responsibilities, source says. Leonard, who interviewed for the defensive-coordinator job, stays in Vegas with DC Patrick Graham to provide continuity on that side of the ball for Pete Carroll. pic.twitter.com/nK8VjSu12E
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 2, 2025
Last season it was linebackers coach Mike Caldwell who had the added title of running game coordinator. Now Caldwell has been replaced by former Seahawks LB coach John Glenn, while the running coordinator title shifts to Leonard.
Leonard is credited with helping the Raiders fielding a strong pass rush, including breakout seasons for Malcolm Koonce in 2023 and K’Lavon Chaisson last season. His named was bandied about for open defensive coordinator jobs, so getting him back is another win for this coaching staff.