Pittsburgh Steelers Appoint Patrick Graham as Defensive Coordinator

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially appointed former Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to the same position within Mike McCarthy‘s coaching staff. The announcement came on Friday afternoon, following Graham’s in-person interview in Pittsburgh earlier that week.

Graham has an extensive coaching background, having spent the last four seasons leading the Raiders’ defense. Before that, he was part of McCarthy’s team with the Green Bay Packers as the linebackers coach and run game coordinator during McCarthy’s last season in 2018. That year, the Packers allowed an average of 116.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 16th in the league. Graham’s coaching experience also includes time under renowned coaches Bill Belichick and Brian Flores in New England from 2009 to 2015, where he served in various defensive roles.

During his tenure with the Raiders, Graham’s defense ranked 13th in yards allowed (317.8) in 2025 but struggled with points allowed, finishing 25th in the league at 25.4 points per game. The Raiders also ranked 18th in rushing yards allowed (116.8) and 29th in completion percentage allowed (68.51%). Notably, Graham’s defense was able to bounce back in 2023, securing a top-10 ranking by allowing just 19.5 points per game, a significant improvement from the previous year.

McCarthy’s Vision for the Steelers Defense

In his introductory press conference, McCarthy expressed a desire to maintain the Steelers’ traditional 3-4 defensive scheme, emphasizing its historical significance to the franchise. “Defense wins championships,” he stated, underscoring the importance of a strong defensive unit. He reflected on his experience as a head coach, noting that his only top-5 defense contributed to a Super Bowl victory.

McCarthy’s confidence in the roster and the established defensive system indicates a strategic approach to building upon the foundation laid by previous coaching staff, including Bill Cowher and Dom Capers. “The defense system has been here since 1992. I believe in building off what’s in place,” he remarked.

In addition to Graham’s hiring, the Steelers are expected to welcome Jason Simmons, an assistant from the Washington Commanders, to a prominent defensive role. Simmons, who was drafted by the Steelers in 1998, interviewed for the defensive coordinator position and has a strong connection to both Graham and McCarthy through their time in Green Bay.

Offensive Changes and Staff Dynamics

On the offensive side of the game, the Steelers have reached out to the New Orleans Saints to interview assistant coach Scott Tolzien for the role of offensive coordinator. Tolzien, who played quarterback in Green Bay under McCarthy, has experience developing players, including the recent work with rookie Tyler Shough.

While McCarthy plans to take the lead on play-calling, the addition of Tolzien could bring fresh perspectives to the offensive strategy. The team has also hired James Campen as the offensive line coach, who previously collaborated with McCarthy during their time with the Packers.

Despite these changes, McCarthy expressed his intention to retain some existing staff members. Notable candidates for retention include linebackers coach Scott McCurley and secondary coach Gerald Alexander, the latter of whom may also pursue opportunities with Brian Flores’ defensive staff in Minnesota.

McCarthy’s approach is clear: he aims to blend new talent with established staff to create a cohesive unit. “I don’t believe in throwing out the baby with the bathwater,” he stated. By maintaining the language and structure of the existing defensive system, McCarthy hopes to leverage the Steelers’ rich defensive history while adapting to new challenges ahead.