Patrick Graham’s name is starting to circulate in Pittsburgh, and for good reason. The current Raiders defensive coordinator is reportedly a candidate to join Mike McCarthy’s new staff with the Steelers - a move that would bring one of the league’s more experienced and respected defensive minds to a franchise built on defensive tradition.
Graham, 46, has been around the NFL block, and his résumé shows a steady climb through the coaching ranks. He got his start at Wagner back in 2002, working as a graduate assistant, before moving on to Richmond for a three-year stint. But his big break came in 2009 when he joined the Patriots as a defensive coaching assistant under Bill Belichick - a move that set the tone for a career rooted in detailed, adaptable defense.
He spent seven years in New England, learning the ins and outs of one of the league’s most disciplined defensive systems. That foundation helped launch him into bigger roles across the league. The Giants brought him in as a defensive coach in 2016, and by the following year, he was with the Packers, handling linebackers and coordinating the run game.
In 2019, Graham got his first shot at running a defense outright with the Dolphins. A year later, he returned to the Giants as their defensive coordinator, where he earned praise for getting the most out of a roster that lacked elite talent. That led to his current role with the Raiders, who hired him in 2022 to stabilize and elevate their defense.
While the Raiders’ 2025 numbers weren’t eye-popping - they finished 25th in scoring defense - the unit showed signs of balance and discipline, ranking 14th in total defense. They were middle-of-the-pack against both the run (17th) and the pass (14th), which suggests a group that’s solid, if not spectacular, across the board. That kind of even-keeled performance can be a reflection of coaching - particularly when you consider the challenges of personnel turnover and injuries that often hit NFL defenses.
Graham also drew interest from the Dolphins earlier this offseason, speaking with them about their head coaching vacancy before they ultimately hired Jeff Hafley. That alone speaks to how highly regarded he is around the league - not just as a coordinator, but as a potential head coach.
If the Steelers do bring Graham aboard, it would mark a reunion of sorts with McCarthy, who overlapped with Graham during his time in Green Bay. More importantly, it would give Pittsburgh a defensive architect with a track record of flexibility, discipline, and player development - exactly the kind of presence a new head coach needs on his staff.
This is a name to watch as McCarthy begins shaping his vision for the Steelers. Graham’s experience, versatility, and respect across the league make him a strong candidate to help lead a defensive resurgence in the Steel City.