The Pittsburgh Steelers are going through a significant coaching turnover from the top down in 2026. In fact, with only two coaches being retained from Mike Tomlin’s staff by Mike McCarthy, it’s safe to say there is a complete overhaul happening right now in Pittsburgh. One of the significant changes to the staff was the addition of Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator.
Graham recently sat down with Missi Matthews of Steelers.com to talk about his vision for the Steelers defense, what he values in Mike McCarthy, and plenty more in the one-on-one discussion.
The first question asked, and for obvious reasons, was why Graham chose the Steelers and to work with McCarthy again.
“It starts with Mike, and knowing him from my time in Green Bay and how much I admired him throughout my career being a young coach. The ultimate respect I have for him after one year, and we stayed in contact after that year. The tradition of the Steelers. As a defensive coach and try to earn a place in that tradition is very near and dear to my heart. I don’t take that lightly, I’m very fortunate to be int his situation. But obviously it comes down to the players. There are so many good and productive players on that side of the football.”
Speaking of those players, what is Graham most excited about coaching this new unit in Pittsburgh?
“The size.” Graham said with a chuckle. “The sheer mass of the human beings they have lined up out there. This is what you envision in terms of what your defense should look like when you think of length, size, mass and big names. This is exactly what I wanted to work with.”
During McCarthy’s introductory press conference he made it clear he wanted to keep the 3-4 defense which has been deployed since the early 1990s. Graham has proven he can work with a 3-4 approach, and part of easing the transition for Graham will be handling a new language.
“It’s so much easier for myself and the coaching staff because we’re lesser in numbers.” Graham said in regards to learning what the Steelers have used in terms of verbiage. “We can learn their language compared to all 45 of the players have to learn something new. Keeping it consistent has been proven to be successful. What Mike Tomlin built is what we can build upon. We can learn their language to make things easier.”
Graham has spoken glowingly of Mike McCarthy during just his one season with him in Green Bay, and he expounded on what was so impressive to him about McCarthy.
“Prior to getting there it was just how he sequenced the game as a play caller.” Graham recalled. “Watching his offenses on defense and how he sequenced the game. When I got there and got a chance to talk ball with him, how detailed and well-organized in terms of seeing things in advance. It makes sense because that’s his day-to-day. That’s how it carries over to the game plan, and how he calls the game. He’s able to see ahead and anticipate things. I’ve used a lot of those things I’ve learned from him throughout my career.”
When it comes to being excited about the opportunity, Graham was not just excited, but thankful for the opportunity McCarthy provided him in Pittsburgh.
“Thankfully coach new me, and knew what I’ve been able to do working with the defensive units I’ve had to work with. He knows my vision for what I want with my defense, so I was happy that was still in place. When he called I was very happy. Very excited.”
While McCarthy built his coaching staff, he built the staff which he hopes can work together and help the team win games in 2026 and beyond. Obviously, Graham was a part of the selection process for the coaches underneath him, and he was very pleased with how things were created with a unique approach to building the coaching staff.
“I love the fact a few of us have worked together before, and several have worked together away from me.” Graham said, emphasizing the importance of that common denominator. “One, they understand the vision of the 3-4 and the totality of the defense, two we’ve all worked together at some point so there is some common language. Last, these guys are just really hungry and detailed teachers when they went through the interview process. They provide tremendous energy. I’m glad they’re here and they are good coaches with success where they’ve been.”
Often times coaches can be called “grinders” for their ability to put everything but football in the background. While some view “grinders” as people who sit in a dark room for hours on end watching film, Graham sees it a different way.
“That’s how I learned it. It starts back with my first job in college and going to New England under Bill Belichick. Those are the people I learned from in terms of grinding. Grinding isn’t staying in an office watching film. The grinding part is finding an edge. Can I find an edge for the players? It’s searching for answers and ways for the players to be successful.
“Who are players coaches? Coaches who grind to find answers and information for the player to make them play better on Sundays. Most grinders that I know, that’s what they do.”
Ultimately, he Graham had a message for fans of the Steelers in terms of what to know about him as a coach.
“I take this very seriously. If you’re not serious about football you’re probably not in my life outside of having to be. I’m very fortunate, and I feel fortunate, to have an opportunity to earn my place in this tradition. I’m not going to take that lightly. I’m very excited.”
The hope is Graham can take an already good defense and make them great in all aspects of play this season. That task is definitely easier said than done, but if seems as if the new defensive coordinator is up to the challenge.
Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the offseason.