This Revealing Stat Just Changed Everything For Steelers Fans About Patrick Graham

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had one of the highest-paid defenses in the NFL for several seasons now. Under former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, this defense did not achieve what many pundits expected. With superstars like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and numerous other playmakers across the roster, many assumed the Steelers would dominate and rank among the league’s elite units. That, however, has not been the case.

Now, with Austin no longer in charge and Mike Tomlin stepping aside from coaching Pittsburgh, new head coach Mike McCarthy has brought in Patrick Graham to take over the defense. Many were curious about this hire, given Graham’s tenure leading the Las Vegas Raiders defense from 2022 to 2025. While the Raiders’ defensive unit was not among the league’s top, what Graham accomplished despite limited investment and talent was impressive. He was able to keep the defense disciplined and competitive even without the star power Pittsburgh now possesses.

One of the most striking indicators of Graham’s effectiveness is how he limited big plays in the passing game. From 2022 to 2025, his Raiders defense allowed just 185 big plays, ranking eighth in the NFL, while the Steelers under Austin gave up 218, ranking 28th. This ability to control explosive plays demonstrates the kind of impact Graham can have in Pittsburgh. 

If the Steelers want to maximize their defensive potential in 2026, Graham’s track record suggests he has the tools and strategy to make that a reality. Steelers insider Brooke Pryor shared some information about the hire.

"The Raiders ranked 13th in yards allowed (317.8) in 2025 and 25th in points per game (25.4)," Pryor said in an article for ESPN after Graham was hired. "The Raiders were also 18th in rushing yards per game (116.8) and 29th in completion percentage allowed (68.51%). Graham's defense, though, was a top-10 unit in 2023, ranking ninth in points allowed (19.5) after checking in at 26th a year earlier. In his introductory news conference, McCarthy said he wanted the Steelers to remain in a 3-4 defense and build off the foundation already in place. Graham has experience coordinating both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses."

Graham is versatile, with experience coordinating both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses. McCarthy, a Super Bowl-winning head coach, has been leading NFL teams for 18 seasons. Interestingly, the season his team won the Super Bowl came when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. 

McCarthy has often highlighted that season as the only time he had a top-five defense, emphasizing how crucial defense is and signaling how he intends to lead the Steelers moving forward. The 3-4 scheme will remain in Pittsburgh under Graham, though it may include nuances and adjustments that Steelers fans have not yet seen under the previous regime.

Steelers Landed Star Coordinator In Patrick Graham

It was notable how Graham arrived in Las Vegas and, without significant investment in his unit, was able to take the Raiders' defense from struggling to above average in just one season. He will look to do the same in Pittsburgh, where the investment in the defense is now at an all-time high.

The Steelers appear to have landed a star coordinator in Graham. Often, a coordinator’s true talent shows not with top players, but without them. Austin struggled despite one of the NFL’s most invested defenses, while Graham thrived with far less. Imagine what he can do with full backing in the Steel City.

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