3 more candidates for Jacksonville Jaguars DC opening after dismissing Mike Caldwell
• Most of the defensive staff was also let go
• Here are 3 candidates for the Jags their DC vacancy
2. Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham
No process is linear, and that's true for defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Wagner in 2002. Eventually, he made the leap to the NFL, joining the New England Patriots as a coaching assistant in 2009. He moved up the ranks several times before becoming the New York Giants defensive line coach in 2016.
Graham only lasted one year with the G-Men though. He landed with the Miami Dolphins in 2017 and kept working his way up until he became their defensive coordinator in 2019. He held the job for one season before returning to New York with the same position. Although the Giants weren't at the top of most defensive categories, Graham saw his stock rise across the league. Josh McDaniels took note of his work and poached him when he became the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.
Even though Graham's first year with the Silver and Black didn't go as planned — players such as Trevon Moerigh regressed — there were a few bright spots. In particular, cornerbacks Rock-Ya Sin and Amik Robertson made strides, and defensive end Maxx Crosby solidified his place as one of the top pass rushers in the league. Things kept getting better in Year 2.
The Raiders' defense got to a bit of a slow start in 2023, but once Josh McDaniels was given the boot, they put it all together. In the second half of the season, they finished at the top of most statistical categories, including points surrendered, and third-down success rate. You can tell that McDaniels' presence affected the team negatively, and once he was let go, the defense was able to truly shine.
There's currently lots of uncertainty surrounding the Raiders. Maybe interim head coach Antonio Pierce will get the job full-time. If he stays, he could keep Graham around. Conversely, he might want to bring someone else, or if there's a new head coach in place, he may want to bring his own guy. If that's the case, the Jaguars should give Graham a call.