Raiders Hire Steelers Defensive Coordinator Candidate Patrick Graham

The Las Vegas Raiders have hired former New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to fill the same role on their staff, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Friday.

Graham had interviewed for the Steelers’ defensive coordinator vacancy following the retirement of Keith Butler.

Graham is one of three external candidates that have been identified for the position, along with Dallas Cowboys assistant Joe Whitt Jr. and New Orleans Saints assistant Kris Richard.

The Raiders have an entirely new front office, with general manager Dave Ziegler and head coach Josh McDaniels both coming from the New England Patriots. Gus Bradley, the Raiders’ 2021 defensive coordinator, took the same position with Indianapolis.

Graham, 43, spent the last two seasons as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator with the New York Giants under since-fired coach Joe Judge.

He was also a finalist for the Minnesota Vikings head coaching job, and when that went to Kevin O’Connell, he was expected to return to New York under new Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
The Giants finished the 2021 season tied for 11th in yards per play allowed, 21st in yards allowed and 23rd in pots allowed.