Steelers 28-Year-Old Linebacker Is Confident New DC Can Help Them Become Elite in 2026
Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had high hopes for the Steelers for the 2025 season. During the preseason, Tomlin said that his defense was capable of doing historic things. The Steelers’ defense ended up being historically bad. Their defense was ranked 26th in the NFL in 2025.
The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach after Tomlin resigned. McCarthy has been building up his coaching staff in Pittsburgh. He named Patrick Graham as their new defensive coordinator. Linebacker Alex Highsmith believes that the Steelers’ defense can get back on track with the help of their new coaching staff.
Highsmith made an appearance on Ross Tucker’s YouTube channel on Friday. He said, “Already getting to meet Graham and talk with him as well. I’m excited for what he’s gonna bring for our defense. We have a lot of guys, a lot of ballplayers on defense. I’m just excited to see us. I really think we can be an elite defense this year. I’m excited for what the future can hold.”
Graham got his first NFL job in 2009. He was the coaching assistant for the New England Patriots. He’s held various coaching positions in the league over the years. His first defensive coordinator role was for the Miami Dolphins in 2019. Graham was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the New York Giants from 2020 until 2021. His most recent defensive coordinator role was with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Graham was with the Raiders from 2022 until 2025. He was a member of three coaching staffs throughout his time with the Raiders—Josh McDaniels, Antonio Pierce, and Pete Carroll. A coordinator is rarely carried over through multiple coaching staffs. The Raiders’ defense was ranked 14th in the league in 2025.
Three of the Steelers’ star defensive players are over 30: Cam Heyward, TJ Watt, and Jalen Ramsey. Heyward may decide to retire. There’s also speculation about whether or not the Steelers will keep Watt and Ramsey. However, there’s also plenty of young talent on the Steelers’ defense, Keeanu Benton, Derrick Harmon, Nick Herbig, Joey Porter Jr., and Payton Wilson. The team is expected to add more players to their defense before the start of the 2026 season.
There’s no shortage of talent for Graham to work with. His extensive NFL experience is certainly an asset to the Steelers. His reputation for tailoring his scheme to his talent will be beneficial for the team. It will be interesting to see if he’s able to help shape them into an elite defense.
