Graham Appointed as Steelers Defensive Coordinator
The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially appointed Patrick Graham as their new defensive coordinator. This announcement came on a recent Friday, marking an exciting chapter in Graham’s extensive NFL career.
Patrick Graham’s NFL Journey
Patrick Graham brings a wealth of experience to the Steelers, having spent the past four seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. This role is part of his 17-year coaching career in the National Football League.
Previous Coaching Roles
- New England Patriots (2009-2015)
- New York Giants (2016-2017, 2020-2021)
- Green Bay Packers (2018)
- Miami Dolphins (2019)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2022-2025)
During his tenure with the Raiders, Graham served as a defensive coordinator for seven consecutive seasons, also taking on the role of assistant head coach with the Giants from 2020 to 2021.
Defensive Accomplishments
Under Graham’s leadership, the teams he coached have participated in the playoffs on eight occasions. His impressive record includes:
- Seven division titles
- Two conference championships
- One Super Bowl win (Super Bowl XLIX with the Patriots)
Raiders Defense Under Graham
During his last season with the Raiders in 2024, the defense excelled in several categories:
- Total defense: ranked in the Top 15 (333.1 yards per game)
- Rush defense: ranked 15th (116.9 yards per game)
- Pass defense: ranked 15th (216.2 yards per game)
Notably, linebacker Robert Spillane achieved a career-high of 158 tackles, a figure that ranked third in the NFL and set a Raiders single-season record.
Pro Bowl Recognition
Defensive end Maxx Crosby thrived under Graham, earning his Pro Bowl selections over four seasons. In 2024, Crosby made significant contributions with:
- 45 tackles
- 17 tackles for loss
- 7.5 sacks
- 5 passes defensed
The Raiders also made history with 18 different players recording half a sack, the highest in a single season for the franchise.
Improvements at the Giants
Prior to his time with the Raiders, Graham served as the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. His efforts led to considerable defensive improvements, elevating the Giants’ rankings in various statistics.
- Rush defense improved from 20th to 10th in his first year.
- Pass defense improved from 28th to 16th.
- Scoring defense during his first season: ranked 9th (21 points allowed per game).
Graham helped develop key players like linebacker Blake Martinez, cornerback James Bradberry, and safety Logan Ryan.
Conclusion
Patrick Graham’s appointment as the Steelers’ defensive coordinator signals a promising future for the team’s defense. His proven track record and ability to uplift a defense will be invaluable for the Steelers as they aim for success in the coming seasons.
