The Pittsburgh Steelers’ new head coach, Mike McCarthy, didn’t make it far into his introductory press conference before being asked about Aaron Rodgers. Almost immediately, the first question was about the veteran quarterback and whether McCarthy would want to reunite with him in Pittsburgh. McCarthy didn’t hesitate. He answered “definitely,” which suggested he fully expected the topic to come up and was prepared to embrace it head-on.
SMILEY N. POOL / DALLAS MORNING NEWS
Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hugs his old head coach Mike McCarthy after their team won a big professional football contest.
The connection between McCarthy and Rodgers is well established. During McCarthy’s 13 seasons as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, the two worked closely together and enjoyed tremendous success, including a Super Bowl victory. That history naturally fuels speculation about whether McCarthy would be eager to bring Rodgers into the fold again. However, the situation is no longer as straightforward as it once was, especially given that Rodgers is now 42 years old and at a very different stage of his career.
That uncertainty is what makes the question so compelling. Does McCarthy truly want Rodgers as his quarterback in his first season leading the Steelers, or is this more about respect for a former player and public optimism? Steelers insider Gerry Dulac offered additional perspective on McCarthy’s comments during a recent chat for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, suggesting there may be more nuance behind the coach’s confident words than initially meets the eye.
"I'm not saying Mike McCarthy doesn't want him back, but what did you expect him to say in that situation?" Dulac said.
It’s really not that deep when you look at what Dulac is actually saying. He’s basically pointing out that McCarthy didn’t have much of a choice in the situation. The comments McCarthy made sound more like standard coach speak than anything with real substance behind them. He’s just saying what he’s supposed to say publicly.
McCarthy has worked with Rodgers for over a decade and has built a long professional relationship with him, so obviously he’s not going to get up there and openly disrespect a future Hall of Fame quarterback, even if there might be more debates behind the scenes.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
New Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy signs his contract.
Now McCarthy is tasked with a brutal challenge. He is trying to replicate the regular season consistency and sustained success that Mike Tomlin delivered for 19 seasons in Pittsburgh.
That is not an easy standard to live up to, and turning this team into a Super Bowl contender will take real work. However, that is exactly what McCarthy believes he can do, and it is the reason he was hired. Steelers Team President Art Rooney II does not believe in rebuilds, and McCarthy was clearly brought in to compete and contend from day one.
Whether that happens with Rodgers or not remains to be seen. Rodgers signed a one-year deal to join the Steelers ahead of the 2025 season. That season ended with a 10–7 record and an AFC North title, but it also ended with Tomlin stepping away from coaching and the Steelers suffering a 30–6 loss to the Houston Texans in the first round of the playoffs.
Steelers' Mike McCarthy Will Have Immense Pressure From Day One
Steelers fans were not kind to Tomlin toward the end of his tenure, especially after the team failed to win a playoff game since the 2016 season. The expectations and criticism will only be louder for McCarthy.
steelers.com
Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy gives his opening press conference to the media.
At 62 years old, he is walking into one of the most demanding jobs in the NFL. The difference is that he is built for it. He has been around the league as a coach since 1993, and experience like that is exactly what the Steelers are betting on.
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