Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is on the Steelers’ radar for their vacant defensive coordinator position. However, a team source confirmed with me that no deal is imminent and that Graham hasn’t even been in the building for an interview yet.

Graham probably stands a good chance of being offered the job. He’s worked under Mike McCarthy previously in 2018. But, he has not been hired yet. 

Should Graham be the hire, it’s worth noting that he’s a respected defensive mind in the game. Fans might look at surface numbers, see the Raiders have ranked no higher than 28th, 15th, 15th and 14th in the NFL, respectively, in total defense under him and be very uninspired. However, as far as any impact talent goes, the Raiders have Maxx Crosby and … that’s it. There’s virtually no defensive talent in Las Vegas.

Graham is thought to be a defensive coordinator that’s done a lot with a lot less. In 2025, the Raiders ranked 31st in defensive spending, yet ranked 14th in the NFL in DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average), a metric that measures efficiency by comparing every single play to a league-average baseline, adjusted for down, distance and opponent quality. In 2023, the Raiders also ranked ninth in defensive EPA per play while ranking 15th in total defense.

Graham has coached under Bill Belichick, Steve Spagnuolo and Brian Flores, all of whom are considered to be some of the game’s most respected defensive minds. If he were to come to Pittsburgh, Graham would finally have an opportunity to coach a unit that has a good amount of talent, both in veterans and youth.