Mike McCarthy Back in the Mix: Former Cowboys Coach Drawing Interest from Titans, Steelers
After a quiet year on the sidelines, Mike McCarthy is back in the thick of the NFL’s coaching carousel-and this time, he’s drawing serious interest.
McCarthy, who parted ways with the Dallas Cowboys after the 2024 season, is now a name to watch as both the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers look to fill their head coaching vacancies. It’s a notable turnaround for the veteran coach, who didn’t get much traction in last year’s hiring cycle. But after taking a season to reset, McCarthy’s experience and résumé are once again in demand.
From Dallas Exit to Coaching Contender
McCarthy’s tenure in Dallas wrapped with a 49-35 regular-season record, including three 12-win seasons. But the postseason struggles-just 1-3 in the playoffs-ultimately led to a split. Brian Schottenheimer stepped in as head coach, and McCarthy stepped away from the sidelines.
That brief hiatus may have been the best move he could’ve made.
He reportedly interviewed with both the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints earlier in the offseason, but chose to hold off and focus on the 2026 hiring cycle. That patience is paying off. Now, he’s not just a candidate-he’s a serious contender.
Titans Take a Close Look
McCarthy’s connection to the Titans is gaining momentum. According to Easton Freeze of A to Z Sports, the Titans hosted McCarthy for a second interview over the weekend.
And this wasn’t just a quick sit-down-he had dinner with team executives Friday night, followed by a full day of meetings on Saturday. That kind of extended visit suggests Tennessee is doing more than just kicking the tires.
This isn’t McCarthy’s first link to the Titans, either. Back in December, reports surfaced that he was viewed by some league insiders as a frontrunner for the job. With the Titans in the midst of a rebuild, bringing in a coach with McCarthy’s pedigree could provide some much-needed stability-and a proven offensive mind to help develop young quarterback Cam Ward.
There’s work to be done in Tennessee, no doubt. But in a wide-open AFC South, a few right moves could make the Titans competitive again in short order.
Steelers Interest Adds a Hometown Twist
The Titans aren’t the only ones making calls. On Sunday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to speak with McCarthy about their own head coaching vacancy. And that potential pairing comes with some intriguing layers.
McCarthy is a Pittsburgh native, and he has a relationship with Steelers general manager Omar Khan. That local connection, combined with his extensive experience, makes him a logical candidate for one of the league’s most storied franchises.
Coaching in Pittsburgh would be more than just another job-it’d be a return home. And while nothing is official yet, it’s easy to see the appeal on both sides.
The Steelers are known for valuing continuity and leadership. McCarthy, with a Super Bowl ring and years of experience managing high-profile rosters, fits that mold.
There’s also been some speculation about a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers, whom McCarthy coached in Green Bay. While that remains to be seen, the idea of McCarthy leading a team with championship aspirations again is very much on the table.
What Comes Next?
With John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski already off the market, McCarthy stands out as one of the most experienced candidates still available. He’s coached in big markets, managed big personalities, and won big games. And now, after a year away, he’s positioned to step back into a high-profile role-whether that’s in Tennessee, Pittsburgh, or possibly somewhere else.
The postseason record in Dallas still lingers, and it’s fair to wonder if McCarthy can turn that narrative around. But his regular-season success and overall command of the job continue to make him a compelling option for teams looking for a steady hand at the top.
Wherever he lands, McCarthy’s next chapter is shaping up to be one of the more fascinating storylines of this offseason.