Mike McCarthy Back in the Coaching Mix as Titans, Steelers Show Strong Interest
After a quiet 2025, Mike McCarthy is suddenly one of the hottest names on the NFL coaching market-and it’s not by accident. The former Dallas Cowboys head coach has positioned himself well this offseason, drawing serious interest from two franchises with very different outlooks: the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
McCarthy, who compiled a 49-35 regular-season record during his four-year run in Dallas, was let go after the 2024 campaign. While his teams consistently performed well in the regular season-including three 12-win seasons-his 1-3 playoff record ultimately led to the Cowboys moving on.
Brian Schottenheimer stepped in as his successor, but McCarthy didn’t rush back into coaching. Instead, he took a strategic pause, sitting out the 2025 cycle and eyeing 2026 as his true reentry point.
That patience is starting to pay off.
Titans Take a Long Look
McCarthy is now deep in discussions with the Tennessee Titans, who are giving him a serious second look. According to reports, he had dinner with the Titans’ leadership on Friday night and followed that up with a full-day interview on Saturday. This is no cursory meeting-Tennessee is doing its homework, and McCarthy is clearly a top contender.
This isn’t the first time his name has been linked to the Titans. Back in December, there was already buzz that he could be the frontrunner for the job. Now, with a second round of interviews underway, that speculation is gaining traction.
If McCarthy were to land in Nashville, he’d inherit a young quarterback in Cam Ward and a roster that, while needing work, has intriguing upside. The AFC South has become a more competitive division in recent years, but with the right leadership and a few key adjustments, Tennessee could quickly become a factor again.
Steelers Enter the Conversation
But Tennessee isn’t the only team making moves. The Pittsburgh Steelers are also expected to speak with McCarthy about their head coaching vacancy, and this one hits close to home-literally.
McCarthy is a Pittsburgh native and has longstanding ties to the area. He also has a relationship with Steelers general manager Omar Khan, a connection that could carry real weight in the decision-making process. For a franchise that values stability, tradition, and familiarity, McCarthy checks a lot of boxes.
And let’s be honest: the idea of McCarthy leading a legacy franchise like the Steelers, in his hometown, adds a compelling narrative to the mix. There’s even been chatter about a potential reunion with Aaron Rodgers-who McCarthy coached for years in Green Bay-though that remains speculative. Still, the Steelers job offers prestige, structure, and a chance to compete right away.
A Veteran Voice in a Shifting Market
With John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski already off the market, McCarthy stands out as one of the most experienced coaches still available. His résumé includes a Super Bowl title, multiple playoff appearances, and a proven ability to guide teams through long regular seasons. While his postseason record in Dallas left something to be desired, his overall body of work still commands respect.
After taking a year off, McCarthy seems refreshed and ready. Whether he ends up in Tennessee, Pittsburgh, or somewhere else entirely, he brings a veteran presence to a coaching market that’s light on proven winners. The next few weeks will be telling, but one thing’s clear: Mike McCarthy is back in the conversation-and this time, teams are listening.