Mike McCarthy is heading home - and not just in the sentimental sense. The Pittsburgh native is officially taking the reins as the new head coach of the Steelers, stepping in after Mike Tomlin's 19-year run came to a close.
Tomlin resigned following the Steelers' 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card round, marking the end of an era in Pittsburgh. Now, McCarthy steps in to start a new chapter - and not everyone is waiting quietly on the sidelines to show their support.
Sarah Jane Ramos, fiancée of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, made her feelings known shortly after the announcement. Reposting the news of McCarthy’s hire, Ramos added a personal touch: “We love you Mike!
Congratulations!” It’s a small gesture, but one that speaks volumes about how McCarthy is viewed by those who worked closely with him during his time in Dallas.
McCarthy returns to the sideline after a one-year hiatus, following the end of his five-season stint with the Cowboys. His contract wasn’t renewed after Dallas was bounced from the playoffs in January 2025, a decision made by team owner Jerry Jones. While the Cowboys only managed one playoff win under McCarthy, his impact - particularly on Prescott - was undeniable.
In 2023, Prescott led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes, steering the Cowboys to a 12-5 record and an NFC East title. That success wasn’t just about numbers; it was about chemistry. McCarthy’s leadership helped Prescott elevate his game, and the quarterback didn’t hide his disappointment when the coach wasn’t brought back.
“Bummed, because we built some things,” Prescott said in an interview earlier this month. “But I guess they couldn’t reach an agreement. SMH.”
That sentiment wasn’t new. Back in December 2024, Prescott had publicly voiced his support for McCarthy during a Zoom call with Yahoo Sports. He described the situation as “almost feeling helpless,” knowing McCarthy was coaching on the final year of his contract without a clear path to an extension.
“I think he definitely deserves a chance, another contract and a chance to coach this team among more influence,” Prescott said at the time.
Instead, the Cowboys moved in a new direction. On January 24, 2025, they promoted offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach, just weeks after a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants ended their playoff hopes.
For McCarthy, this new opportunity in Pittsburgh is a return to familiar ground - and a franchise that knows a thing or two about stability at the head coaching position. Before his time in Dallas, McCarthy spent 13 seasons as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, from 2006 to 2018.
His crowning achievement? Leading the Packers to a win in Super Bowl XLV - against none other than the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, he’ll try to bring that same championship pedigree to the team he once defeated on the game’s biggest stage. And while the Steelers are turning the page after nearly two decades under Tomlin, McCarthy’s arrival signals that they’re not looking to rebuild - they’re looking to reload.
For Prescott and those who worked under McCarthy in Dallas, the move is bittersweet. There’s pride in seeing him land another high-profile job, especially in a city that means so much to him. But there’s also the lingering sense of unfinished business in Dallas - the feeling that, just maybe, McCarthy had more to give.
Either way, the NFL coaching carousel keeps spinning. And this time, it brings Mike McCarthy back to where it all began.