Patrick Graham enters his third season as the Las Vegas Raiders‘ defensive coordinator. He brings with him 15 years of experience in the NFL, including five years as a defensive coordinator.
Last season, Graham saw his defense put up its best numbers since the start of his tenure. The defense ranked ninth overall in points allowed per game (19.5), a 17-place improvement from 2022. His total defense in 2023 finished 15th in the league after holding the 28th spot in 2022.
Consistency, progress, and development have been noticed under his coaching.
Everything You Need To Know About Patrick Graham
Graham started his coaching career in 2002 as a graduate assistant at Wagner. In 2004, he was hired as the defensive line coach at Richmond. The following season, he moved to tight ends coach. In 2007, he went to Notre Dame, where he became a graduate assistant.
In 2009, he was hired by Toledo and became their defensive line coach. The same year, he received his first NFL opportunity as a coaching assistant with the New England Patriots. He was with the Patriots from 2009 through 2015 in multiple positions, including coaching assistant, defensive assistant, linebacker coach, and defensive line coach.
In 2016, the New York Giants hired Graham as the defensive line coach. He went to the Green Bay Packers in 2018 as a linebackers coach and run game coordinator.
The Miami Dolphins hired him in 2019 as their defensive coordinator. The following season, the Giants hired him back as their assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.
The Raiders hired Graham as their defensive coordinator in 2022, and his defensive unit scored three defensive touchdowns, tied for the third-most in the NFL in 2022. His defense ranked 19th in rushing yards allowed per game (122.8) and saw an improvement in tackles for loss (68) from the 2021 season.
Jakobi Meyers and 2024 first-rounder Brock Bowers looked the part as potent weapons in the #Raiders offense at training camp practice Friday.
The defense, securing two turnovers, also made their presence felt.
MORE 📰:https://t.co/bQZa80yd87
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) July 27, 2024
As mentioned, the Raiders’ defense improved significantly from Graham’s first season through 2023. In 2023, it was one of the best units in the NFL; from Weeks 9-18, the defense led the NFL in points allowed (16.0), tied for 10th in the NFL in takeaways (14), and tied for third in sacks (30).
Under Graham’s coaching, Maxx Crosby finished the season tied for first in the NFL in tackles for loss (23), sixth in sacks (14.5), and third among defensive linemen in tackles (90), resulting in his third straight Pro Bowl and second career AP Second Team All-Pro selection.
READ MORE: List of Current NFL Defensive Coordinators
Graham also saw free agent signing Robert Spillane have a career year with 82 tackles (66), 3.5 sacks, three interceptions, four passes defensed, seven tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Throughout training camp, the defensive side of the ball has been creating anticipation for the 2024 season, causing multiple interceptions and pressures.
How Long Has Graham Been the Las Vegas Raiders’ Defensive Coordinator?
The Raiders hired Graham as their defensive coordinator in Feb. 2022 under former head coach Josh McDaniels.
Graham knows how to adapt to the personnel around him. His base scheme has been a 3-4, but in 2023, the Raiders lined up more in four-down fronts. Their star player, Crosby, among other players like Spillane and Jack Jones, thrives in that scheme.
You’ll see the Raiders transition mostly between 4-3 and 4-2-5, with the occasional 3-4, but it’s always situational under Graham.
Who Was the Defensive Coordinator Before Graham?
Gus Bradley, now the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, was the Raiders’ defensive coordinator in 2021. It was a one-and-done season for Bradley, but he was quickly scooped by the Colts and has remained their defensive maestro since. The 2021 season saw the Raiders finish middle of the pack in yardage categories but bottom 10 in scoring defense.
Gus’ son Carter Bradley is currently on the Raiders’ roster as one of their four quarterbacks.