Report: Steelers to Interview Saints Assistant Kris Richard for Defensive Coordinator Position

The Pittsburgh Steelers have requested to interview New Orleans Saints defensive backs coach Kris Richard for their vacant defensive coordinator position, according to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Richard, 42, just finished his first season as New Orleans’ defensive backs coach. He was a defensive coordinator with the Seattle Seahawks from 2015-17.

Richard has also worked as the Dallas Cowboys defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator (2018-19), Seahawks assistant defensive backs coach (2010), cornerbacks coach (2011) and defensive backs coach (2012-14). He was part of Seattle’ Super Bowl XLVIII winning team after the 2013 season.

With Seattle in 2015, his defense finished tied for second in yards per play against, second in yards allowed and first in points allowed. In 2016, the Seahawks were tied for third in yards per play against, fifth in yards allowed and third in points allowed.

In 2017, they were tied for third in yards per play allowed, 11th in yards allowed and 13th in points allowed, after which, Richard was relieved of his duties.

Richard spent seven seasons in the NFL as a defensive back, three with Seattle and one with the Miami Dolphins, two with the San Francisco 49ers and one with the Oakland Raiders. He played 39 games, and recorded 42 tackles, one sack and two passes defended.

A native of Carson, California, Richard played collegiately at USC for Pete Carroll, who later hired him as a head coach.

Richard is the second external candidate that has been identified as a potential option for the Steelers’ defensive coordinator position, which opened with Keith Butler’s retirement on Saturday.

The Steelers also reportedly requested permission to interview New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

Steelers senior defensive assistant Teryl Austin is also a candidate, and is expected to get the job, according to one report.