The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially appointed Patrick Graham as their new defensive coordinator, taking over a role that follows the departure of Mike Tomlin after 19 seasons. This decision, announced on Friday, marks a significant shift for the Steelers as they look to revamp a defense that has faced challenges in recent seasons.
Graham arrives in Pittsburgh after spending four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. During his tenure, the Raiders’ defense showed marked improvement, moving from 28th in yards allowed in 2022 to 15th in both 2023 and 2024, and climbing to 14th in 2025. This trajectory reflects Graham’s ability to enhance defensive performance, a promising sign for the Steelers as they aim to strengthen their own unit.
The Steelers’ defense struggled last season, finishing 26th in yards allowed—their lowest ranking in this category since 1988. Despite the challenges, the unit managed to produce 29 takeaways, which ranked third in the league. Key players such as defensive tackle Cam Heyward, outside linebacker T.J. Watt, and defensive back Jalen Ramsey will remain central to the Steelers’ defensive strategy.
Mike McCarthy, who was named as Tomlin’s successor earlier this week, has committed to retaining the 3-4 defensive alignment that has characterized the Steelers for over three decades. This continuity in formation may provide a stable foundation as Graham implements his vision for the defense.
In addition to veteran leadership, the Steelers possess a promising group of young talent. Rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon and third-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig represent the future of the defense, potentially complementing the experience of older players. Graham’s challenge will be to balance the integration of this youthful energy while maximizing the performance of established stars.
As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, the hiring of Graham signals a concerted effort to improve defensive performance and reclaim their status as a formidable force in the league. The organization is hopeful that Graham’s track record of development and success can translate into positive outcomes on the field.
