It appears Patrick Graham, in all likelihood, will be returning as the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive coordinator for his third season.
The Seattle Seahawks are hiring Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as their next head coach per several reports. Graham was a finalist for the job as he interviewed twice with Seattle.
But now, that possibility is over. Graham was also one of 15 candidates to interview for the Los Angeles Chargers’ head-coaching job this month before Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh took over the Raiders’ AFC West rival.
The only other team with a current head-coaching opening is the Washington Commanders. Graham has not interviewed there.
So, Graham hasn’t gotten a head coaching job and he is expected to remain on Antonio Pierce’s staff.
Graham led a Raiders’ defensive resurgence in 2023 and the team has a chance to continue to improve under his guidance in 2024.
If Graham had gotten a head-coaching job, the Raiders would have received third-round draft picks in 2024 and ‘25 if Graham is hired as a head coach.
If the Raiders’ defense does well in 2024, there is a chance Graham will get a head-coaching job next year.
Put simply, he’s emerged as one of the NFL’s most impactful defensive players. But individual stats aren’t enough for Crosby, who is ready to win now.
“I’ve made the playoffs one time in five years. It’s bulls–t,” he told reporters in early January while campaigning for Antonio Pierce to keep the head-coaching position in Las Vegas.
“And we’ve got to figure out what we’re going to do moving forward. And I’m sick of change. I’m sick of losing.
I just want stability and f–king consistency, and that’s all that matters to me. I want to win.”
So long as Crosby can stay healthy, the Raiders will have a chance.
He’s become one of the league’s most feared presences off the edge.
