The Pittsburgh Steelers are close to hiring Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for the same position, according to multiple sources, under new head coach Mike McCarthy. Graham has been an NFL DC for seven straight seasons with the Green Bay Packers (2018-19), New York Giants (2020-21) and Raiders (2022-25).

Pittsburgh was 26th in the NFL in total defense this season despite having a star-studded unit that former coach Mike Tomlin predicted could do “could do special things.” The Raiders ranked 14th, the fourth time in Graham’s seven seasons that his defenses have finished in top half of the league.

McCarthy plans to retain linebackers coach Scott McCurley from the previous staff as well as defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth. The Steelers areA expected to hire Adam Henry as wide receivers coach after he held the same job with the Buffalo Bills the last three seasons.

Additionally, the Steelers have asked the Cleveland Browns for permission to talk with special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone.