The Steelers got back on the training field this week as the organization held its first week of OTAs. For fans, the reporting and videos that circulated this week were our first look at how the new-look Steelers will operate under Mike McCarthy and his freshly assembled coaching staff. Among that staff is new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the first assistant coach McCarthy hired after being named the Steelers’ top man.
During a media availability period this week, Graham gave several insights
into how he’s acclimating to Pittsburgh, what his process looks like as a coach, and what his hopes and expectations will be for the defense this year.
Whether or not Graham can get more out of the Steelers’ well-paid defense than the previous regime is a metric the fanbase will certainly be judging the new defensive coordinator by. To his credit, Graham isn’t shrinking away from those expectations. The Steelers defense has had some high highs in recent years, looking like one of the league’s top units at times when it was able to generate sacks and turnovers. But also endured more than its fair share of frustrating stretches, and the predictable nature of the Steelers’ play calling was the subject of outside ridicule on more than one occasion.
It’s a fine line Graham must walk in bringing change. A complete shake-up is likely unwise. After all, the Steelers still have several players who have found success with the previous system and have familiarity with the terminology and their responsibilities within the defense, which should let them play fast and loose, at least in theory. Graham’s challenge will be to revamp the parts that have grown stale and outdated, while also remaining true to elements of the defense that this team still does well.
One of those big changes appears to be personnel deployment. According to data from Sharp Football Analysis, the Steelers were in base defense (3-4 for them) at the sixth-highest rate (39%) in the NFL. While running sub-packages more frequently doesn’t guarantee higher success, it is worth considering that some of the best defenses in 2025 — Seattle (8%), Houston (27%), and Denver (29%) — ran base defense at some of the lowest rates in the league.
Graham’s previous defense, the Raiders, actually ran base at the second-highest rate in the NFL (58%), but Graham has long made a habit of shaping his defense around the players he has available, rather than sticking to a rigid system. Las Vegas was short on defensive back talent in 2025, a point that was emphasized by the team selecting four defensive backs in the 2026 draft and trading for nickel corner Taron Johnson.
The Steelers, meanwhile, have a solid core of defensive backs, headlined by Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, as well as new additions Jamel Dean and Jaquan Brisker. Players like DeShon Elliott, Brandin Echols, Asante Samuel Jr., and rookie Daylen Everrette provide even more tools for Graham to work with. Something he’s well aware of and looking to lean into.
But for now, Graham is looking to get to know his players better and increase communication. One way he’s trying to make those connections is through a shared interest in music.
“And then from there is just the side conversations, whether it’s football or checking on them, the situation they might have with their family,” Graham said during his media availability. “That’s not my nature. By nature, I’m more introverted, I would say. But when you’re in this position, and I try to get them to be comfortable, you’ve got to do what the job required of you.”
I don’t know if I can speak for all of Steelers Nation, but as an elder millennial who grew up on a lot of hip-hop from the ‘90s and early 2000s, I have to say I’m intrigued by Graham’s bonding tactic. Those Thursday reports he alluded to sound like a gold mine for the Steelers’ social media team if they are able to capture some of it on video.
Watch Graham’s full media availability here.
What is your early impression of new DC Patrick Graham? What are some of the changes you’re hoping to see on defense this year? Let us know in the comments!
