Why Patrick Graham’s Raiders defense could soon land him a head coaching jobBefore every match, Patrick Graham listens to Mobb Deep to get in the zone.
The 44-year-old Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator grew up in Waterbury, Conn., and was immersed in the rap duo’s dark, dirty and unapologetic lyrics.
Reviewing songs from their catalog and enjoying a can of Coca-Cola are two non-negotiable tasks for him before kick-off.
Raiders players never see Graham’s routine — he calls plays from the press box — but they know it.
You also learn about his wife Pamela and their two children, the football career that brought him to Yale, his favorites, his favorite foods, and other aspects of his journey that made him the man he is today ‘today.
When he was signed by the Raiders last year, Graham stressed the importance of sharing information with players.“First and foremost, I’m a teacher,” Graham said last week.
“And as a teacher, the best way to get them to learn and stick with the lessons is to show them that you care about the person and not just the football player.”
This extended beyond practice areas and meeting rooms to shared meals in the cafeteria and meetings outside of team headquarters.
The relationships that emerged extend beyond football, but their impact has affected the team as well.
The inevitable criticism a coach must level at a player is simply different when a genuine connection is already established.
“NFL players value honesty above all else,” Graham said. “It builds trust.
