Will Patrick Graham be head coach next year?
The Las Vegas Raiders opted out of Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator this past offseason. In his defense, Bradley turned a really putrid unit. In fact, in the eyes of many, he guided them into becoming a useful unit. Either way, with a new regime in place, Patrick Graham was instead given the keys to 2022. As one of the NFL’s most revered assistant coaches in recent years, Graham is- he destined to be head coach in 2023?
In a recent Sports Illustrated publication, Conor Orr listed several assistants who could be up for head coaching gigs next year. Among them was Graham. Defensive coordinator since 2019, Graham has prepared impressive defenses. Arguably his best season was in 2020 with the New York Giants. That year, his defense placed in the top ten in several key categories. The team ranked 10th in rushing yards and touchdowns allowed, ninth in points allowed, and fifth in passing touchdowns allowed.
What makes DC Raiders Patrick Graham a potential contender next year?
The Raiders’ defense had its share of struggles here early on. At the same time, Graham has already turned young players such as Nate Hobbs into stellar contributors. One of the main problems with his unit right now is an apparent lack of depth. It goes without saying that it’s not his fault. On the contrary, the blame lies with the previous regime. Orr also points to some of Graham’s bad luck in his career, but insists he’s a viable contender next year.
“Graham was a star at the NFL’s Minority Coaching Summit this year. Considered a brilliant mind – he’s nicknamed the ‘Black Picasso’ – the Yale graduate simply had bad luck whereabouts after leaving the Dolphins in 2019. Graham still compiled a formidable defense — 19th and 18th in above-average adjusted value defense, respectively, despite a lower-tier roster that resulted in the team’s general manager resigning after Season 21. Graham’s unit is still among the best in the NFL this year in terms of EPA rushing opponent (expected points added per attempt.) If the Raiders turn things around, so will Graham’s candidacy.
Overall, the Raiders’ defense is struggling. As mentioned above, there are positives, but not all is well. Chandler Jones fails to meet expectations. Despite playing “solid” as indicated by Williams comic from the show Tape Don’t Lie, his game leaves a lot to be desired. The unit was also devastated by the wounded, especially in high school. If Graham’s cornerbacks and safeties were all healthy, we’d be talking about a completely different story.
Rankings and stats don’t favor Graham right now in terms of head coaching prospects. The Raiders’ defense ranks in the 20s in most major categories, in addition to rushing yards allowed (15th) and passing touchdowns allowed (16th). In the end, just as Orr states, there is still hope for Graham. If the Raiders’ numbers improve this season, say mid-road, Graham could definitely get some attention. Additionally, we have seen less qualified coordinators get head coaching opportunities in the past.
Las Vegas Raiders DC Patrick Graham recalls his first encounter with Nate Hobbs
*Top photo: Las Vegas Review-Journal
