The Pittsburgh Steelers have appointed former Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham as their new defensive coordinator. This decision comes as the team transitions following the departure of Mike Tomlin, who served as head coach for 19 seasons and was officially replaced by Mike McCarthy earlier this month.
Graham joins the Steelers after a four-year tenure with the Raiders, where he oversaw a defensive unit that showed marked improvement during his time. The Raiders ranked 28th in yards allowed in 2022 but climbed to 15th in both 2023 and 2024, finishing at 14th in 2025. His leadership was crucial in elevating the team’s defensive performance over these years.
Under Graham, the Steelers will inherit a defense that has faced challenges. In the most recent season, Pittsburgh’s defense, featuring standout players like defensive tackle Cam Heyward, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, and defensive back Jalen Ramsey, finished 26th in yards allowed, marking the team’s lowest ranking in this category since 1988. Despite these struggles, the unit managed to secure 29 takeaways, ranking third in the league.
Graham’s appointment marks his fourth role as a defensive coordinator. He previously held similar positions with the Miami Dolphins in 2019 and the New York Giants during the 2020 and 2021 seasons. McCarthy has committed to maintaining the Steelers’ traditional 3-4 defensive alignment, which has been a staple of the franchise for over three decades.
While Heyward, Watt, and Ramsey are all in their 30s, the Steelers also have a promising young core. Notable players include rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and third-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig, who are expected to contribute significantly as the team seeks to revitalize its defensive strategy.
As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, Graham’s experience may prove vital in reshaping a defense that has shown glimpses of potential amidst a challenging year. The Steelers hope to leverage his expertise to improve performance and competitiveness in the league.
