Steelers Finally Learn The Truth About Patrick Queen's Issues With Mike Tomlin And Teryl Austin

The Pittsburgh Steelers have looked like a completely different football team at times during the 2026 season, and their defensive improvements have been particularly interesting. With Mike McCarthy taking over for Mike Tomlin and Patrick Graham replacing Teryl Austin as defensive coordinator, Pittsburgh has experienced significant changes in leadership. However, a revealing account involving linebacker Patrick Queen suggests there was a communication problem within the previous coaching staff that Steelers fans might not have fully understood. Apparently, Tomlin was forced to intervene last season.

The Steelers have plenty of talented defenders, including TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Jalen Ramsey and Queen. Talent has rarely been the biggest concern in Pittsburgh, especially considering the organization's investments on that side of the football. However, getting everyone to understand their responsibilities and communicate effectively is another challenge entirely. That is where Graham appears to be making a significant difference.

During a recent discussion, Chris Carter revisited information he previously reported about Queen's frustrations with Austin during the 2025 season. His account offered an interesting explanation of why Pittsburgh experienced certain defensive difficulties and how Tomlin became involved in resolving them. More importantly, Carter believes Graham has addressed a communication issue that existed under the previous defensive coordinator.

"Something I broke with Patrick Queen last year, he was frustrated with Teryl Austin," Carter said. "And Mike Tomlin said, 'Hey man, you're not talking to my D coordinator telling him what he is doing wrong. I need you with my signal-caller to figure it out.'"

That is a fascinating revelation about what was happening behind the scenes. According to Carter's account, Queen wasn't simply dealing with the usual frustrations that come with playing defense in the NFL. There was enough disagreement over how things were being handled that Tomlin reportedly had to establish how those concerns should be addressed.

For a player like Queen, communication is especially important. Inside linebackers must understand assignments, recognize offensive adjustments and help ensure their teammates are positioned correctly. When the relationship between a defensive coordinator and his players isn't functioning smoothly, even talented defenders can struggle to execute consistently.

Carter explained that Tomlin's intervention helped Pittsburgh work through some of its problems last season. However, he also suggested that Graham has created an environment where the head coach doesn't need to become involved in the same way.

"And that's what helped the Steelers figure out some of their problems last year," Carter said. "I think with Patrick Graham, what has happened is there isn't that disconnect that a head coach has to fix this year."

That distinction deserves serious attention. The Steelers didn't necessarily need an entirely different collection of defensive players to improve their communication. They needed a coordinator capable of developing strong working relationships throughout the unit.

Carter went even further when comparing Graham's approach to Austin's. His assessment suggested the former defensive coordinator connected more effectively with certain position groups than others, while Graham has taken a broader approach.

"Patrick Graham, to give him credit, he's connected with every layer of the defense," Carter said. "Teryl Austin was good at connecting with the secondary... he was never a guy who connected with the guys up front. That's who Patrick Graham is."

Steelers Are Seeing A Critical Difference With Patrick Graham

There is a major difference between knowing how to design a defense and getting an entire roster to believe in the plan. A coordinator can understand every coverage and pressure package imaginable, but those ideas mean little if players aren't comfortable communicating concerns. Carter's comments suggest Graham has made that connection a priority.

The most interesting part of this story might be what it reveals about Queen's situation last season. His frustration, as described by Carter, wasn't necessarily about a lack of effort or commitment. Instead, it points toward disagreements over how the defense was operating and how those concerns were communicated.

Do you believe Patrick Graham has already proven to be an upgrade over Teryl Austin for the Pittsburgh Steelers? Share your thoughts with me on X at @anthonyghalkias.

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