The Pittsburgh Steelers have just hired Patrick Graham as their new defensive coordinator. This is a significant move for the team, announced on a Friday afternoon. Graham comes to Pittsburgh after spending four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders. He has a history with head coach Mike McCarthy, having worked under him during McCarthy’s last season with the Green Bay Packers in 2018.
In his time with the Packers, Graham focused on linebackers and the run game. The Packers allowed 116.3 rushing yards per game that season, ranking 16th in the league. Before that, he learned from defensive heavyweights like Bill Belichick and Brian Flores while with the New England Patriots.
Graham also has a variety of coaching experiences, serving as the defensive line coach for the New York Giants and as the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins. In 2023, Graham’s Raiders defense stood out, ranking ninth in points allowed, a significant improvement compared to the previous year.
McCarthy is keen on sticking with the Steelers’ traditional 3-4 defensive scheme, an approach that has deep roots in the team’s history. He emphasized the importance of a strong defense by recalling that he’s won a Super Bowl with a top-five defense during his coaching career. McCarthy believes in building on what has worked in Pittsburgh for decades.
In addition to Graham, the Steelers are set to bring in Jason Simmons, a former Steelers linebacker, for a key defensive role. Simmons has experience working with both Graham and McCarthy in the past.
On the offensive side, the Steelers are in talks with New Orleans Saints assistant Scott Tolzien for the offensive coordinator position. McCarthy plans to take the reins in play-calling, but Tolzien could help shape the development of quarterbacks, having guided rookie Tyler Shough last season.
While McCarthy is introducing new faces to the coaching staff, he also wants to keep some existing members. He has indicated interest in retaining linebackers coach Scott McCurley and secondary coach Gerald Alexander, who may join Brian Flores’ staff in Minnesota.
This blend of new and familiar faces signals a fresh chapter for the Steelers as they aim to maintain their legacy of strong defensive play while enhancing their offensive strategy. With a focused vision and seasoned coaches on board, the Steelers are gearing up for an exciting season ahead.
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