"I figured that Al Harris would get some interest from teams looking to fill defensive coordinator vacancies. And when the PIttsburgh Steelers hired Mike McCarthy to be their new head coach, I thought there was a real chance that Harris would follow a familiar face if an opportunity for a new role presented itself. But it sounds like McCarthy has landed on a defensive coordinator for the Steeles - and it is not Al Harris."
"New Steelers coach Mike McCarthy is close to bringing in Patrick Graham as his defensive coordinator, per sources. Graham, 47, was defensive coordinator the past three seasons with the Raiders. He also served in that role with the Dolphins (2019) and Giants (2020-21).- Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) January 28, 2026"
"It sounds like Al Harris is sticking with the Bears Chicago Bears DBs Coach Al Harris has been a popular interview candidate this month. He reportedly met with the Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders regarding the defensive coordinator openings for those resepctive teams. The Packers and Commanders went in different directions, but the Steelers still loomed as a possibility. Not only did Harris play for Mike McCarthy when he was the Packers' head coach, but he was also on McCarthy's staff with the Dallas Cowboys. But instead of turning to a first-time play-caller, McCarthy turns to Patrick Graham, who has experience as a defensive coordinator with the Las Vegas Raiders (2022-25), New York Giants (2020-21), and Miami Dolphins (2019)."
Mike McCarthy is reportedly close to hiring Patrick Graham as the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator. Patrick Graham most recently served as the Raiders' defensive coordinator and previously held the role with the Dolphins and Giants. Al Harris interviewed for several defensive coordinator openings, meeting with the Packers and Commanders, and has prior connections to McCarthy as a former player and staffer. The Steelers opted for Graham’s prior play-calling experience rather than a first-time coordinator hire. Al Harris appears likely to stay with the Chicago Bears, whose secondary received contributions from Kevin Byard and Nahshon Wright.
Read at Bleacher Nation
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