Steelers Insider Gives Great Analysis On Mike McCarthy That Should Leave Fans Encouraged: "He Is Doing It His Way"

When the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Mike McCarthy following the resignation of Mike Tomlin, it raised one big question: how much will really change? Tomlin, who had spent 19 seasons with the team, had his own way of doing things, which was very successful in the beginning, but ran its course by the end. Chairman Art Rooney II made it clear that even with the hiring of a new head coach, he wanted the team to remain competitive. When McCarthy was hired, there was skepticism that it would be just more of the same for Pittsburgh, and while that still could be the case, there have already been noticeable differences. 

The franchise recently wrapped up their first week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and so far, many are already seeing the changes McCarthy is implementing. From shuffling the offensive line, to changing scheduling tactics for upcoming events, McCarthy is really embracing being the leader in the Steel City. So much so that recently an insider spoke about McCarthy, saying it was rare for a coach his age to get back in the game after sitting out a season. He also would go on to give a great analysis on the fellow Yinzer and the initiative he's taken. 

Steelers insider Gerry Dulac of the Post-Gazette recently appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio where he spoke about the current state of the team. Dulac mentioned that at McCarthy's age coaches sometimes simply don't want to dive back into coaching when they take time off, and he talks about how he is doing things the way he wants to do them. 

"Sometimes when you get to be Mike McCarthy's age, 62, when you take a step back, sometimes you don't want to take a step back into the arena," Dulac stated. "This is a focused, determined person who pays great attention to detail. He has a way of doing things and he is doing it his way."

McCarthy was let go by the Dallas Cowboys following the 2024 season when they went 7-10. Injuries across the roster plagued the season, but the organization felt it was time to move on. He decided to take a year off from coaching to wait for a better opportunity, which ultimately led him to land the job in Pittsburgh. They haven't gotten to any real competition yet, so the changes that have been made have no results, but the organization seems to be on the right track. 

McCarthy is a proven regular season winner; his time in Dallas will show that, but he must get the Steelers over the hump and win a playoff game for the first time in nine years. One of Tomlin's sayings was "the standard is the standard", and at one time that meant something. Over time however, the standard seemingly dropped from championship standards, to just winning seasons. McCarthy needs to restore the true winning standard, rather than just staying afloat. 

Steelers' McCarthy Can Restore The Championship Standard

The Steelers haven't won a Super Bowl since the 2008 season where they defeated the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. They haven't made it back to the big game since the 2010 season -- 16 years now. While the team may not be a true contender right now for a Lombardi Trophy, they need to go on a deep playoff run soon, and perhaps that could happen soon. With the major upgrades on offense and a new coaching staff on defense, there's truly no telling what the outcome of this season could be. 

Aaron Rodgers will be back and at 42, soon to be 43, his play has certainly declined over the years. He may not be the player he once was, but his situation in 2026 will be his best since his time with the Green Bay Packers. Only time will tell how this season plays out, but with the changes McCarthy is making to the organization, he may be able to restore the once winning standard from the past. 

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