Raiders' Special Teams Make a Big Move: Hiring Joe DeCamillis
By Connor Byrne | February 15, 2026
The Raiders are shaking things up with a strategic move that could impact their 2026 season. They're bringing back a familiar face in the NFL, Joe DeCamillis, as their new Special Teams Coordinator. This move comes after a challenging 2025 season, where the Raiders' special teams unit struggled, leading to an in-season coaching change.
DeCamillis, a 60-year-old coaching veteran, brings a wealth of experience to the Raiders. With over 34 years in the NFL, he's worked with some of the league's top teams, including the Giants, Falcons, Jaguars, Cowboys, Bears, Broncos, and Rams. His impressive resume includes two Super Bowl victories, one with the Broncos in 2015 and another with the Rams in 2021.
During his second stint with the Denver Broncos from 2015-2016, DeCamillis worked closely with head coach Gary Kubiak. Now, he'll be working under Kubiak's son, Klint Kubiak, who was recently appointed as the Raiders' head coach. This move marks a strategic shift for the Raiders, as DeCamillis will be the second coordinator hired by the 38-year-old Kubiak, who recently promoted defensive line coach Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator.
The Raiders' special teams unit faced significant challenges in 2025, starting the season with a 2-7 record in early November. Former head coach Pete Carroll made a bold move, firing ST coordinator Tom McMahon and replacing him with assistant Derius Swinton II, who is now with the Steelers. Despite these changes, Pro Football Focus ranked the Raiders' special teams 31st in the league, indicating room for improvement.
With DeCamillis at the helm, the Raiders aim to turn things around and improve their special teams performance in 2026. This move is a strategic decision to address a critical area of the team, and fans are eager to see the results. The question remains: Can DeCamillis' expertise and experience lead the Raiders to a successful season?
What do you think? Will DeCamillis' hiring be a game-changer for the Raiders? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
