Reports: Steelers set to hire Patrick Graham as DC

Field Level Media|published: 01/30/2026, 12:43pm EST

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to finalize an agreement with Patrick Graham to be their new defensive coordinator, multiple media outlets reported on Friday.

Graham effectively will replace Teryl Austin, whose contract expires at the end of this season.

Graham, 47, spent the past four seasons as the defensive coordinator with the Las Vegas Raiders. He also worked with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy while the two were in Green Bay in 2018, with Graham serving as a linebackers coach and running coordinator.

Graham held a variety of roles while with the New England Patriots (2009-15), coached the defensive line for the New York Giants from 2016-17 and followed single seasons with the Packers and Miami Dolphins by returning to the Giants as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach in 2020-21.

The Steelers won the AFC North this season in spite of their defense. Pittsburgh finished 26th in total defense (356.9 yards per game) and 29th in pass defense (243.9).

Austin, 60, spent the past four seasons as the Steelers' defensive coordinator. He held the same post with the Detroit Lions (2014-17) and Cincinnati Bengals (2018).

--Field Level Media