The silence in Las Vegas is starting to feel loud.
The Las Vegas Raiders, one of the last NFL franchises without a head coach, now face a real possibility of losing defensive coordinator Patrick Graham as the Pittsburgh Steelers explore adding him to their next coaching staff.
The Raiders are among only three teams still without a head coach in late January, and the delay is beginning to affect more than just the top job. Across the league, assistant coaches have been hired, staffs finalized, and systems installed. In Las Vegas, the uncertainty has created exposure, particularly on defense.
Raiders: A coaching search with consequences
Graham has called the Raiders’ defense since 2021. During that stretch, he has worked under three different head coaches and several roster constructions, yet remained in place. Around the NFL, that level of continuity is rare and increasingly valuable.
According to USA Today reporter Art Stapleton, the Steelers have shown interest in Graham as a potential defensive coordinator, a role that could be part of a staff connected to Mike McCarthy. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin previously evaluated Graham before he chose to stay in Las Vegas.
Evaluating Graham’s body of work
Statistically, Graham’s defenses have been uneven but not without progress. According to Pro Football Reference, the Raiders finished the 2023 season ranked in the top half of the NFL in points allowed and takeaways, a notable improvement after earlier struggles. That unit regressed in 2024, though it still outperformed an offense that failed to find consistency.
NFL Network analysts have pointed to the lack of stability surrounding Graham’s tenure. Last season required incorporating elements of Pete Carroll‘s defensive philosophy, forcing schematic adjustments alongside ongoing personnel turnover. As one league analyst summarized on air, “It’s hard to build year-to-year dominance when the structure keeps changing.”
Despite the mixed results, Graham’s reputation remains strong. He received head-coaching interviews during this hiring cycle, reinforcing how he is viewed outside the Raiders’ building.
Why Pittsburgh is a real threat
From Pittsburgh’s perspective, the fit is logical. The Steelers have ranked in the top half of the league in scoring defense in seven of the past ten seasons, according to league data, and Graham’s adaptable, multi-front approach aligns with that identity.
For the Raiders, the timing is delicate. Graham remains under contract, and a move could involve a reduction in pay. Still, assistant coaches often prioritize clarity and stability, especially after multiple regime changes.
The decision looming in Las Vegas
Las Vegas has interviewed candidates from both sides of the ball, but offensive coaches such as Davis Webb and Klint Kubiak have emerged as leading options. Pairing a rookie quarterback with an offensive-minded head coach makes strategic sense.
What remains unresolved is whether that vision includes Graham. The longer the Raiders wait, the more leverage shifts away from them. Another slow decision could quietly reshape the defense before the next head coach ever arrives.
Reporting is based on information from USA Today, league statistics from Pro Football Reference, and broadcast analysis from NFL Network. No anonymous social media posts were used in this report.
Read the full article here
