The Raiders hired New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for a 4-year deal, according to multiple sources. Graham was previously the assistant head coach of the Chicago Bears and will replace John Pagano in Oakland.
The “patrick graham defensive scheme” is a new hire for the Las Vegas Raiders. The New York Giants’ assistant will be tasked with helping to improve the defense in Sin City.
According to ESPN, the Las Vegas Raiders have hired New York Giants associate head coach Patrick Graham as their defensive coordinator.
Graham, 43, joins newly appointed head coach Josh McDaniels in Las Vegas after serving as the Giants’ defensive coordinator under Joe Judge for the last two seasons.
Graham takes over for Gus Bradley, who is leaving the Raiders after one season to join the Indianapolis Colts as their defensive coordinator.
According to ESPN, the Raiders have recruited former New England Patriots quality control/QB coach Bo Hardegree as their new quarterbacks coach, while keeping receivers coach Edgar Bennett.
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McDaniels was asked what defensive system he wanted to use with the Raiders at his first press conference on Monday.
“Today, most of it is really constructed out of nickel,” he said. “We speak a lot about 4-3, 3-4 defense, but 85 percent of the game is now’sub’ defense, so your decision-making process could be different than it was 15 years ago, when you were playing a lot more base defense.”
With the Giants, Graham used a 3-4 basis, but the Raiders use a 4-3 style.
“As we sort of construct the staff and go along with the team, we’ll make those decisions and choose how we want to go ahead here,” McDaniels said. “But I believe right now it’s built in that mindset.”
“However, as I previously said, you’re playing a four-man line and nickel defense in the majority of these games, so that’s virtually your basis.”
“So, for us, the vision will have to be — there are five starting defensive backs today, two linebackers, and so on and so forth. We’ll conduct our due diligence when hiring our team, then review them and determine what’s best for us as we go ahead.”
Graham was a defensive assistant as well as the defensive line and linebackers coach for the New England Patriots from 2009 to 2015, which corresponded with McDaniels’ return to New England in 2012.
The Raiders defense improved from 25th overall in 2020 to 17th last season under Bradley, but they were worst in the NFL in red-zone defense (83.3 percent touchdowns and 6.29 points per red-zone-zone trip) and second-to-last in red-zone takeaways per red-zone-zone drive.
Pro Bowl defensive end for the Raiders Maxx Crosby was asked what qualities he looks for in a defensive coordinator following the AFC’s practice on Thursday.
“I adore Gus, and I think he’s got us on the right track,” Crosby said. “Obviously, I have no idea, and I have no influence over it, but we’ll see. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Graham previously worked with incoming Giants head coach Brian Daboll at New England from 2013 to 2015. Graham had planned to stay with the club if he did not obtain a head-coaching position elsewhere, according to Daboll.
“I’ve had a strong connection with Pat for a long time in this league,” Daboll said earlier this week during his introduction press conference. “He’s a hard worker.” He’s astute. I believe the players admire him. He is knowledgeable about several defenses, and we have a strong working connection. When I returned to New England, I did.
“We certainly hope he is given the chance to be a head coach. That is, I believe, everyone’s desire, but I, for one, would love for him to be here. He has a lot to offer our program. I believe he would be an excellent support system for me, and I am hopeful that this would be the case.”
Under Graham, the Giants’ defense was rated 12th in the NFL in 2020. This season, it was 21st. Graham is highly regarded by the Giants organization, and he has previously interviewed for the role of head coach.
Graham’s hiring with the Raiders was initially reported by NFL Network.
Jordan Raanan of ESPN contributed to this article.
The “Las Vegas Raiders to hire New York Giants’ Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator” is a recent news story. The team will be hiring former New York Giants defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. Reference: gus bradley.
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