Steelers Now
In a new ESPN article titled “Inside NFL Rooney Rule coaches say is rigged against them”, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham revealed that he was disrespected by the Jacksonville Jaguars organization when interviewing for their vacant head coach position in 2025.
Graham had a meeting scheduled with Jaguars owner Shahid Khan and executives from the team for dinner after interviewing for the HC position, but Khan and team executives never showed up.
“Patrick Graham sat at a table set for five at a Jacksonville steakhouse in January 2025,” Kris Rhim, Kalyn Kahler and Jason Reid of ESPN wrote. “He had shown up to meet with Jaguars owner Shahid Khan and team executives after interviewing for the head coaching job earlier that day.
“The then-Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator waited alone for about 30 minutes, his hopes for getting the job fading minute by minute. He took a selfie with the empty chairs.”
The Jaguars ended up hiring Liam Coen. Graham felt like he was just a check box for the Jaguars to mark off so they could reach the Rooney Rule requirements.
Graham said he was “hurt through the process” of not getting the job rather than simply being passed over for it.
Despite being disrespected by the Jaguars, Graham is thankful that Jacksonville passed on him because he wouldn’t have ended up with the Steelers without it.
“During the interview process with Jacksonville following the 2024 season, I mentioned previously that the communication and transparency could have been better,” Graham said. “But I am also glad it worked out for Liam [Coen], and I wouldn’t be here in Pittsburgh without that experience. I am grateful to be with the Steelers and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead in 2026 and beyond.”
The Steelers play the Jaguars in Week 14 on Monday Night Football in Jacksonville. I’m sure Graham would love nothing more than to get payback on the Jaguars.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers DC Patrick Graham Reveals Jaguars Disrespected Him
