Steelers Appoint Patrick Graham as Defensive Coordinator, Replacing Mike McCarthy
On January 30, 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers made significant changes to their coaching staff, appointing Patrick Graham as the new defensive coordinator. This move comes after Mike McCarthy’s departure from the same position within the team. Graham’s extensive experience in defensive roles makes him a promising candidate for this critical job.
Pittsburgh Steelers Hire Patrick Graham as Defensive Coordinator
Patrick Graham took over the role after spending four seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. In the 2025 season, his defense ranked 13th in yards allowed, averaging 317.8 yards per game, but struggled with points allowed per game, ranking 25th at 25.4 points.
Previous Experience
- Prior to the Raiders, Graham was a defensive line coach for the New York Giants.
- He served as a defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins in 2019.
- His coaching roots include time with the Green Bay Packers, where he worked under Mike McCarthy as a linebackers coach.
- Graham was also part of the New England Patriots staff, gaining insights under Bill Belichick and Brian Flores.
Steelers’ Defensive Strategy
In his introductory press conference, McCarthy emphasized the importance of maintaining a 3-4 defensive scheme. He highlighted the Steelers’ defensive history, underscoring its significance as a foundation for future success. “Defense wins championships,” McCarthy stated, echoing the team’s long-standing tradition of defensive excellence.
During Graham’s tenure in 2023, he successfully transformed the defense into a top-10 unit, achieving ninth place in points allowed (19.5) per game after a disappointing 26th ranking the previous year. This turnaround showcases Graham’s ability to enhance defensive performance effectively.
Additional Coaching Appointments
In a move to strengthen the defense further, reports indicate that the Steelers might add Jason Simmons, currently with the Washington Commanders, to a key defensive role. Simmons has a history with Pittsburgh, having been drafted by the team in 1998 and previously working under Graham and McCarthy in Green Bay.
Future Offensive Moves
On offense, the Steelers are reaching out to Scott Tolzien, a former Green Bay quarterback, for an offensive coordinator position. McCarthy stated he intends to call plays but values Tolzien’s experience in quarterback development.
Additionally, the team recently appointed James Campen as offensive line coach. Like Graham, Campen has prior experience working with McCarthy in Green Bay. McCarthy hopes to keep some current staff members, such as linebackers coach Scott McCurley, to maintain consistency within the team.
As the Steelers look to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season, these coaching changes signify a commitment to enhancing both their defense and overall gameplay strategy. For ongoing updates on the Steelers and NFL news, continue following Filmogaz.com.
