Posted on Jan 30
Raiders re-sign Patrick Graham as DC: "Continuity is essential for our success."
u/alex •
The Las Vegas Raiders have re-signed Patrick Graham as their defensive coordinator, a move that emphasizes continuity amid significant organizational changes.
Why it matters: Maintaining Graham on staff allows the Raiders to build upon their defensive strategies while transitioning to new leadership under head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek.
- Graham has been with the Raiders since 2022 and retains knowledge of both the personnel and schemes that will be essential for development moving forward.
- His familiarity with players like Maxx Crosby and Kolton Miller can aid in refining a defense that struggled last season.
What’s new: The decision to keep Graham comes after a tumultuous period for the franchise, which saw the firing of interim head coach Antonio Pierce after a disappointing 4-13 record.
- Despite finishing 25th in scoring defense in 2024, the Raiders faced injuries to key players, including Crosby, which impacted overall performance.
- Graham's ability to adapt to injury crises could serve well as the team looks to rebound.
The bottom line: While the team recognizes the need for improvement, the choice to retain Graham suggests confidence in his ability to enhance the Raiders' defensive identity going forward.
- Before joining the Raiders, Graham held defensive coordinator positions with the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants, where he implemented various successful defensive schemes including elements of the 3-4 and 4-3 alignments.
Yes, but: Some skepticism remains regarding the effectiveness of Graham's defensive scheme, especially given last year's lackluster performance.
- The need for improvement is underscored by the critical nature of the upcoming draft weekend, where addressing defensive weaknesses may be a priority.
- Graham interviewed for head coaching roles recently, indicating interest from other franchises, but ultimately chose to remain with the Raiders.
What to watch: As the Raiders continue to reshape their roster, how they approach the draft will be pivotal in determining Graham’s success or failure this coming season.
- With the right acquisitions, Graham could implement a more robust defensive strategy capable of competing in a challenging AFC West division.
Zoom Out: This decision reflects a broader trend in the NFL where teams are prioritizing continuity and stability in coaching staff during periods of transition.
- By retaining key figures like Graham, the Raiders position themselves to leverage existing relationships and experience as they look to rebuild and improve upon last season's struggles.