Defensive coordinator is reportedly returning
Here are on early thoughts on reported reunion:
It’s a good get:
Graham is a quality defensive coordinator and he brings stability to his side of the ball. For a team that has some much change, it’s nice to see some stability at a key assistant position.
Bit of a surprise:
It appeared when word broke that Graham’s contract expired and he was hitting free agency (after he reportedly turned down an extension last year) that Graham would move on. He interviewed for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator job and appeared he’d be interested in being a coordinator for an offensive-minded coach like Liam Coen. Yet, it seems like Carroll reeled him in.
Strong move by Carroll:
Minutes after Pete Carroll was hired by the Raiders last Friday morning, a source close to Carroll told Silver and Black Pride that Graham would likely be a target because he’d be a good fit for Carroll. He is a CEO-type head coach who relies on his defensive coordinator even though he is a defensive-minded coach himself. Carroll clearly saw the value of Graham.
More coaches retained?
The only two reported coaches Carroll has hired are holdovers from Antonio Pierce’s staff. Graham will join special teams coach Tom McMahon to back back to the staff. Carroll has said his staff will be a mixture of former Seattle assistants, coaches from elsewhere and Raiders’ returning coaches. Cornerbacks coach Ricky Manning and defensive line coach Rob Leonard, who interviewed for the defensive coordinator position, are candidates to return as well.
Could help keep key free agents:
The Raiders have a lot of key defensive free agents including linebacker Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, safeties Tre’von Moehirg and Marcus Epps, pass-rusher Malcolm Koonce and defensive tackles Adam Butler and John Jenkins. With Graham coming back, that means the system won’t change much and the desire from both the team and the players may be to have them return to the Raiders, which is projected to have $92 million in salary-cap room. So, this could be a major indication of where the team is needing in terms of defensive-team building.
Maxx on new Raiders HC Pete Carroll: “The number one thing you look at is just energy.”@CrosbyMaxx and @JimGrayOfficial on this week’s “Let’s Go!”
ON THE @SIRIUSXM APP https://t.co/uqPRryMvx2 pic.twitter.com/ocYDfqY9vw
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) January 29, 2025
Maxx should be happy:
Raiders’ star defensive end Maxx Crosby will likely be thrilled by this move. He has been open about his desire for stability on the coaching staff. Crosby has been excited about Carroll’s energy and having his defensive coordinator of the past three years should further satisfy Crosby, who could be up for an extension soon.
Hope for comp picks:
Graham has been interviewed for head-coaching jobs the past two offseasons. If the Raiders have a strong year on defense in 2025, he could be in line to get a gig next year. If so, the Raiders would get third-down picks in 2026 and ‘27 as part of the Rooney Rule.