The Steelers are making moves to reshape their coaching staff, and the latest name in the mix is a seasoned defensive mind from the AFC West. According to reports, Pittsburgh is closing in on hiring Patrick Graham as their next defensive coordinator-a move that would bring a wealth of experience and schematic versatility to the Steel City.
Graham, 47, has been with the Raiders since 2022, originally brought in by Josh McDaniels to lead the defense. Despite the coaching carousel in Las Vegas, Graham remained a steady presence, continuing under interim head coach Antonio Pierce and then Pete Carroll. That kind of continuity speaks volumes about how he’s viewed inside NFL buildings-adaptable, respected, and capable of commanding a defense through transition.
But Graham’s journey through the NFL goes well beyond his time with the Raiders. His coaching roots trace back to the New England Patriots, where he served as a defensive assistant from 2009 to 2015.
That stint under Bill Belichick helped shape Graham’s foundational approach-disciplined, detail-oriented, and rooted in situational football. From there, he took over as the Giants’ defensive line coach in 2016 and 2017, before heading to Green Bay in 2018 as the linebackers coach and run game coordinator under Mike McCarthy.
That Green Bay connection is key here. McCarthy, now leading the Steelers’ staff revamp, clearly values familiarity and proven chemistry. Graham’s one-year stint with the Dolphins as defensive coordinator in 2019 and his two-year run with the Giants as assistant head coach and DC from 2020 to 2021 further solidified his reputation as a coach who can handle both the X’s and O’s and the leadership demands of the job.
And Graham might not be the only familiar face joining McCarthy in Pittsburgh. Reports also indicate that McCarthy is eyeing James Campen, the former Packers offensive line coach, and Ramon Chinyoung, who previously served as an assistant offensive line coach with the Cowboys. Both coaches bring experience in trench play, an area that Pittsburgh has historically prioritized and will need to shore up moving forward.
In the midst of all this turnover, there’s still some continuity on the horizon. McCarthy is expected to retain three members of Mike Tomlin’s former staff: linebackers coach Scott McCurley, quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, and secondary coach Gerald Alexander. That balance of new voices and returning staffers could be key as the Steelers transition into a new era while trying to maintain the defensive identity that’s long defined the franchise.
If Graham’s hire becomes official, it marks a significant step in retooling the Steelers' coaching infrastructure. Known for his ability to adapt schemes to his personnel, Graham’s arrival could mean a more flexible, matchup-based approach on defense-something that could serve Pittsburgh well in an AFC North that features a diverse mix of offensive styles.
It’s still early in the offseason, but the Steelers are clearly laying the groundwork for a coaching staff that blends experience, familiarity, and fresh perspective. And with Graham potentially leading the defense, Pittsburgh might just be setting the stage for a unit that can keep pace with the evolving demands of today’s NFL.