The Pittsburgh Steelers have installed a brand new coaching staff after now-former head coach Mike Tomlin stepped down in January 2026. Along with Tomlin's departure, his defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin, was not retained. Austin's defense was underwhelming in 2025. A star-studded defense was only average overall and relied primarily on its ability to cause turnovers to keep them in games. Many blamed the scheme and the poor play-calling as a reason for the blunders. While Austin was served as the primary play-caller, Tomlin oversaw a lot of the defense's operations. Under new head coach Mike McCarthy and his defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, the hope is for the Steelers' defense to get back to the standard it's known for.
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Steelers' Mike McCarthy speaks with Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham during the rookie minicamp in 2026.
The defense proved to be an issue, especially as the season went on. The unit allowed too many chunk plays and often miscommunicated, even in Week 18, when the Baltimore Ravens capitalized on it. The defense allowed multiple huge touchdown plays where there wasn't a defender anywhere near a Ravens receiver, resulting in a score. The scheme relied on turnovers and post-snap movement to disguise coverages. However, the team was often picked apart by veteran quarterbacks who recognized the various coverages. The Steelers had problems stopping the run, especially against very physical teams. Austin relied on the individual performances of his stars up front to wreak havoc, but when that didn't happen, teams capitalized.
The new defensive looks will remain in the 3-4, but Graham will build his scheme to fit the team. Pittsburgh's Organized Team Activities (OTAs) began on Monday, May 18, and the team was able to begin the early stages of learning and executing Graham's defense. Steelers middle linebacker Payton Wilson spoke to the media after practice and offered huge praise to Graham and his schematics. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Chris Adamski posted a snippet of Wilson's media availability on X.
"It's been great. [Graham is] awesome. He has a great scheme, and the way that he's installing things, it's flowing really well. I've been super impressed with him and his scheme and how he coaches," Wilson said.
Wilson's confidence in the scheme is a good sign, especially based on last season. The defense was confusing for members of the secondary and oversimplified up front. The new scheme should hopefully allow all players to be on the same page, while still being able to disguise looks against opposing quarterbacks. Moving around the edge rushers and involving some interesting stunts will be another way for the Steelers' elite pass rush to excel. There's no excuse for this unit to be subpar based on the talent level and the amount of cap invested in it.
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Steelers Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham during an interview with Missi Matthews in 2026.
The Steelers struggled mightily against the run in 2025. One of the things that Graham's defenses are known for is the ability to get stops on early downs, especially on run plays, and force teams into third-and-long situations. This would help the Steelers' edge rushers come alive in obvious passing situations. This is just one example of an area where Graham could help improve a defense that needs a leader and a scheme that benefits the existing skill sets. He also relies on versatility from his players, like safeties who can play in the box or defensive linemen who can move around. Pittsburgh has that, and that could be a huge help.
Steelers Need Graham To Revitalize Some Of The Veterans
Pittsburgh's veterans, like TJ Watt and Patrick Queen, had down years in 2025. While Watt's poor performance may have been due to injury, the previous scheme did not help the veterans succeed. For 2026 to be successful, the mainstays of the Steelers' defense need to play up to their standards. The defense relied on individual performance to bail them out, and when Watt couldn't win on his own, it left the defense rudderless.
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Steelers superstar edge rusher TJ Watt lets out a thunderous roar after delivering a game-changing play against the Cleveland Browns, igniting the crowd and fueling Pittsburgh’s defensive momentum.
The new scheme needs to ensure that the veteran players can win, and that will allow for the defense to become a top unit again. That could mean moving Watt around and opening up lanes for a linebacker like Queen. No matter what, the veterans will be the difference-makers for the defense in 2026, and the scheme needs to reflect that.
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