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.
Pittsburgh-based reporter Gerry Dulac shares the details on Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy zeroing in on Patrick Graham being his defensive coordinator in Year 1 with the Steel City:
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, 2026It 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).
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If the Steelers passing on Al Harris means the Bears will get a second season with their defensive backs coach, then so be it. Harris’ secondary played well, getting strong contributions from All-Pro Kevin Byard, Pro Bowl replacement Nahshon Wright, and seemingly everywhere in between. With at least four key Bears defensive backs on the cusp of free agency, having some continuity on the coaching staff could be valuable.
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