Resurfaced Quotes Reveal Who Steelers' Mike McCarthy Might Want To Be Pittsburgh's Starting QB In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers decided to verbally agree to hire Mike McCarthy to become their next head coach. This marks just the fourth head coach in franchise history since 1969, a testament to the organization’s long-standing commitment to stability. McCarthy arrives in the Steel City with a Super Bowl ring on his résumé, having won the championship against a Mike Tomlin–led Steelers team earlier in his career, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding his return to Pittsburgh in a leadership role.

McCarthy’s tenure with the Dallas Cowboys was often controversial, but it was also undeniably productive. He guided the team to three straight 12-win seasons, proving he can still deliver consistent results at the highest level. Still, at 62 years old, some Steelers fans had hoped the franchise might move in a younger, newer direction, embracing a fresh voice and a more modern approach to building the roster and culture.

Now, much of the speculation has shifted toward what McCarthy’s staff will look like and, perhaps more importantly, what will happen at quarterback. There has been growing buzz around the potential availability of Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray as a possible option in Pittsburgh. After digging into the past, it appears McCarthy offered revealing thoughts on Murray back in 2020, comments that could give Steelers fans clearer insight into how the new head coach might view the idea of bringing the former No. 1 pick to town.

"He has a unique skill set. He's so quick and explosive, and he can get the ball out of his hand very quickly," McCarthy said in an article for ESPN back in 2020. "Obviously, he can make any throw, he can hit all the quadrants of the field, and he's leading the league in rushing as a quarterback. So I think that in itself tells you the stress that he puts on your defense. He's a dynamic player and he's definitely the centerpiece of that offense."

Of course, the first thing Steelers fans absolutely must remember is the simple fact that McCarthy made these comments over half a decade ago. Murray was a hot commodity back then, which is why he landed a five-year, $230.5 million extension through 2028.

Even though he is under contract through 2028, many pundits believe he will not be back with the Cardinals in 2026. That is largely due to the significant financial decisions Arizona faces regarding his future, along with ongoing injury concerns and periodic questions about his work ethic throughout his career.

Steelers Could End Up With Kyler Murray In Pittsburgh

While the perception of Murray may be what it is, many still recognize the talent he brings to the field. When healthy and locked in, he has the potential to be one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league.

It was only his second NFL season in 2020 when he threw for 3,971 yards, completed 67.2 percent of his passes, and posted 26 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. He was also elite as a runner, carrying the ball 133 times for 819 yards and adding 11 rushing touchdowns.

Murray was playing at a different level back then, but some believe he can still reach that ceiling. His 2024 season was closer to his 2020 form, and if he can stay healthy, he would be an exciting option in Pittsburgh.

Steelers fans will have to wait and see how the financial implications shake out and what ultimately happens with Murray in Arizona. Still, McCarthy’s old comments combined with the recent buzz around Murray and Pittsburgh could be the beginning of something heating up. The next few months will be very instrumental for the McCarthy era in the Steel City.

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