Patrick Graham returns to Raiders as Defensive Coordinator…

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on from the bench during warmups before a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Allegiant Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 15-9. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Patrick Graham returns to Raiders as Defensive Coordinator

HENDERSON, Nev. – Patrick Graham has been named Defensive Coordinator of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Graham enters his 17th season in the NFL and his fourth season as the defensive coordinator with the Silver and Black. He oversaw a defensive unit in 2024 that finished 15th in total yards allowed (333.1), 13th in rushing yards allowed (116.9) and 15th in in passing yards allowed (216.2). From Week 15-18, the Raiders allowed just 18.3 points per game (sixth in the NFL). Under Graham’s guidance, LB Robert Spillane recorded a career-high and franchise-record 158 tackles while DE Maxx Crosby earned his fourth-consecutive Pro Bowl selection after posting a team-high 7.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss.

In 2023, Las Vegas’ defense ranked ninth overall in points allowed per game (19.5), a 17-place improvement from 2022. Over the second half of the season, the Raiders defense was one of the best units in the NFL. From Week 9-18, the defense led the NFL in points allowed (16.0), ranked tied for 10th in the NFL in takeaways (14) and ranked tied for third in sacks (30). Crosby finished the season ranked tied for first in the NFL in tackles for loss (23), sixth in sacks (14.5) and third among NFL defensive linemen in total tackles (90).

During his first season with the Raiders, Graham oversaw a unit that 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 a slight improvement in tackles for loss (68) from the 2021 season.

Prior to joining the Raiders, Graham coached in his second stint with the New York Giants from 2020-21, serving as the club’s assistant head coach/defensive coordinator. In 2021, he oversaw a defense that tied for fourth in the league in passes defensed (83) and tied for 12th in interceptions (15). The Giants defense improved significantly in 2020, ranking ninth in scoring defense (22.3 ppg), which marked a 16-place improvement from 2019.

Graham earned his first defensive coordinator role with the Miami Dolphins in 2019. Prior to joining the Dolphins, Graham spent the 2018 season as the Green Bay Packers inside linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator. Under his tutelage, LB Blake Martinez totaled 144 tackles (91) and a career-high five sacks. Green Bay’s defense limited opponents to 4.3 yards per rush, which ranked 13th in the league.

In his first stint with the Giants, Graham coached the defensive line from 2016-17. In 2017, Graham helped DE Jason Pierre-Paul lead the team with 8.5 sacks and DT Damon Harrison posted 76 tackles, which led all NFL defensive tackles. In 2016, Graham’s unit allowed 17.8 points per game, the second-best mark in the NFL.

Graham began his NFL coaching career in New England, where he spent seven seasons with the Patriots (2009-15). He was a coaching assistant in 2009 before being promoted to defensive assistant in 2010 and linebackers coach in 2011. Graham moved to defensive line from 2012-13 before returning to linebackers in 2014-15. During his tenure in New England, the Patriots won the AFC East title all seven seasons, the conference championship twice and Super Bowl XLIX.

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