The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of one of their most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. After a disappointing playoff exit at the hands of the Houston Texans, the organization made a major move by parting ways with longtime head coach Mike Tomlin and bringing in veteran Mike McCarthy to lead the next chapter. But the work is far from done in Pittsburgh - the coaching staff remains in flux, and one of the most critical hires still on the table is defensive coordinator.
That search appears to be narrowing. According to league sources, Patrick Graham is flying into Pittsburgh to interview for the DC role and is widely viewed as the frontrunner for the job. While nothing is official yet, there’s a growing sense around the league that if Thursday's meeting goes as expected, Graham could be the next man tasked with leading the Steelers' defense.
Adding a wrinkle to the situation, another report suggests Graham has already accepted the position. That has raised some eyebrows, but for now, all eyes are on the upcoming interview and what it might signal about the team's direction.
Graham brings a wealth of experience to the table. Most recently, he served as the defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, where he helped shape a unit that featured one of the league’s most dominant edge rushers in Maxx Crosby. Before that, he held the same title with the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins, building a reputation as a smart, adaptable play-caller who knows how to get the most out of his personnel.
If Graham does land the job, he’ll inherit a defense that’s still loaded with top-tier talent - starting with T.J. Watt, who remains one of the most disruptive forces in football. Despite all the turnover elsewhere, the Steelers’ defense has consistently been the team’s backbone, and there’s no reason to think that would change under Graham’s watch.
But make no mistake - this is a team at a crossroads. The end of the Tomlin era could mark the beginning of a philosophical shift in Pittsburgh.
For the first time in decades, the Steelers appear open to the idea of a rebuild. The quarterback situation remains murky, with no clear long-term answer under center and uncertainty surrounding the future of Aaron Rodgers.
That puts even more weight on the defense. If the offense is in transition, the Steelers will need their defensive unit to steady the ship - something Graham has experience doing. Whether it’s dialing up pressure, disguising coverages, or maximizing the impact of his stars, Graham’s track record suggests he knows how to build a defense that can keep a team competitive even when the offense is finding its footing.
For now, all signs point toward Graham as the likely choice. If the Steelers finalize the hire, it would be a move that leans into their identity - tough, defense-first football - while giving McCarthy a proven coordinator to help stabilize the team during a potentially transformative offseason.