Graham, 47, arrives in Pittsburgh after three seasons as the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive coordinator. His coaching path runs from college stops at Wagner, Richmond, Notre Dame, and Toledo to the NFL with the Patriots, Giants, Packers, and Dolphins before landing in Las Vegas in 2022.
The move comes against the backdrop of a challenging 2025 season for the Raiders, who finished 3–14 and allowed 432 points (about 25.4 per game) and roughly 322 yards per game. Graham’s defenses in Las Vegas struggled, a contrast to the Steelers’ 2025 numbers, which saw 387 points allowed (about 22.8 per game) and 4,437 passing yards surrendered.
In addition to the defensive hire, Pittsburgh brought in James Campen as offensive line coach. Campen reunites with McCarthy, having previously worked under him with the Green Bay Packers from 2007 to 2017 and later serving as run game coordinator. He also has experience coaching with multiple NFL teams, and his presence could align with a potential reintegration of former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers if circumstances permit.
Rooney had stressed that McCarthy would need time to finalize his staff, and the process has continued to unfold. McCarthy is also expected to retain three members of Mike Tomlin’s 2025 staff: linebackers coach Scott McCurley, quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, and secondary coach Gerald Alexander.
Overall, the Steelers’ 2026 coaching plan signals a blend of new direction on defense with selective continuity on the personnel side. Graham’s arrival as DC pairs with Campen’s OL expertise as McCarthy shapes a staff designed to compete in a wide-open AFC, while keeping trusted assistants to maintain organizational stability.
