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Steelers Name Patrick Graham Defensive Coordinator as Mike McCarthy Reshapes Staff

The hire underscores McCarthy’s reliance on familiar voices to reset Pittsburgh’s approach.

Overview

  • Pittsburgh officially announced Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator, reuniting him with McCarthy after their 2018 stint in Green Bay and aligning with the coach’s plan to preserve a 3-4 identity.
  • McCarthy confirmed he will call the offensive plays in 2026 regardless of who becomes offensive coordinator.
  • The team hired longtime offensive line coach James Campen, a former Packers assistant under McCarthy, and is planning to interview Saints quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien for the offensive coordinator vacancy, per ESPN.
  • Washington assistant Jason Simmons is expected to join in a prominent defensive role, while secondary coach Gerald Alexander is departing to become the Vikings’ defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach, according to multiple reports.
  • McCarthy said he “definitely” wants Aaron Rodgers to return and has spoken with him, though the quarterback’s decision for 2026 remains unresolved.