Zac Taylor recalls Steelers DC Patrick Graham being an option for Bengals before hiring Al Golden in 2025

With a 2-1 record in three games against the Bengals, Zac Taylor interviewed Graham after firing former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo following the 2024 season. Taylor ultimately hired Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden, but the head coach came away impressed with what Graham brings to the table.

"You interview him because you are impressed with the scheme and the problems you face when you go against him," Taylor said this week to Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson . "When you meet him, incredibly personable … Thought highly of him before. Thought highly of him even more so afterwards."

Graham is 47 years old and was the New England Patriots ' linebackers coach when they won Super Bowl XLIX in February of 2015 against Seattle . The Patriots are where Graham got his start in NFL coaching. He's been a defensive coordinator since 2020 with the New York Giants , spending two years in New York before going to Las Vegas for four years with Maxx Crosby and the Raiders ' defense.