Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is prioritizing offensive installation and has given defensive coordinator Patrick Graham significant autonomy. Reporter Jeff Hathhorn described McCarthy's approach during a radio appearance. The shift marks a change from the previous regime under Mike Tomlin.
McCarthy, an offensive-minded coach, is spending most of his time with quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Will Howard as well as offensive staff members. This leaves Graham to run the defense with little direct oversight. Hathhorn said on The Fan Morning Show that McCarthy has absolute trust in Graham and views him as a head coaching candidate who should have room to operate independently.