Patrick Graham Emerges as a Strong Candidate for Steelers’ Defensive Coordinator Role Under Mike McCarthy
The Mike McCarthy era in Pittsburgh is officially underway, and with the head coaching hire locked in, the next step for the Steelers is building out a staff that can help return the franchise to its winning ways. One name gaining serious traction for the defensive coordinator role? Patrick Graham.
Graham, 47, brings a deep résumé and a long history with McCarthy, which is fueling speculation that he could be a natural fit in Pittsburgh. The two previously worked together in Green Bay back in 2018, when Graham served as the Packers’ linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator. That connection, along with Graham’s extensive NFL experience, makes him a compelling candidate to take over the Steelers’ defense.
Over the last four seasons, Graham ran the defense for the Las Vegas Raiders. While the unit had its ups and downs, it showed flashes of promise under his leadership.
In 2023, the Raiders finished 19th in both total yards allowed and passing yards allowed, 24th in takeaways, and 16th against the run. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but context matters-Las Vegas dealt with instability at the head coaching position and a roster in transition.
Through it all, Graham’s defense remained competitive, particularly in the back half of the season.
Before his time in Vegas, Graham held defensive coordinator roles with the New York Giants (2020-21) and the Miami Dolphins (2019). Across those stops, he developed a reputation as a smart, adaptable coach who isn’t afraid to tailor his scheme to his personnel. He’s worked in both 3-4 and 4-3 systems and has shown a knack for getting the most out of his front seven.
Graham’s coaching tree is nothing short of impressive. He cut his teeth under Bill Belichick in New England from 2009 to 2015, holding a variety of roles including coaching assistant, defensive line coach, and linebackers coach.
He’s also worked under Pete Carroll, Brian Flores, Joe Judge, Ben McAdoo, Josh McDaniels, and Antonio Pierce. That’s a wide-ranging list of influences, and it’s helped shape Graham into a versatile defensive mind.
If Graham does land in Pittsburgh, he’d be stepping into a defense that’s been one of the league’s better units under Teryl Austin, who served as the Steelers’ defensive coordinator for the past four seasons. In 2023, the Steelers finished 7th in total defense, 4th in both passing yards allowed and takeaways, though they slipped to 20th in rushing defense. Austin recently interviewed with the Washington Commanders for their defensive coordinator vacancy, signaling that a change in Pittsburgh could be on the horizon.
Bringing in Graham would represent a shift, but not a rebuild. The Steelers already have cornerstone pieces on defense-think T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Heyward-and Graham’s experience with both veteran stars and young, developing talent could make him an ideal bridge between the team’s current core and its future.
It’s early in the process, but the dots are starting to connect. Graham knows McCarthy.
He’s coached in high-pressure environments. And he’s led defenses through transition periods before.
If the Steelers are looking for a steady hand with a sharp football mind, Graham checks a lot of boxes.