Mike McCarthy is headed back to the AFC North-but this time, he’s trading green and gold for black and gold. The former Packers and Cowboys head coach has officially been named the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, stepping into one of the most tradition-rich roles in football following Mike Tomlin’s resignation.
With a Super Bowl ring on his résumé and a spot at No. 15 on the NFL’s all-time wins list for head coaches, McCarthy brings more than just experience-he brings pedigree. And when the 2026 season kicks off, he’ll have accomplished something only a select few in league history can claim: leading three of the NFL’s most iconic franchises.
Green Bay. Dallas.
Now, Pittsburgh.
Naturally, McCarthy’s arrival in Pittsburgh has sparked a wave of questions-most notably, whether it could open the door for a potential reunion with his former quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. The four-time MVP’s future remains up in the air as he weighs retirement, but the idea of one last ride with McCarthy in the Steel City has certainly generated some buzz.
While the Rodgers speculation simmers, McCarthy has more immediate priorities on his plate-starting with assembling his coaching staff. And early signs point to him possibly reaching back into his Green Bay roots to fill a key role on the defensive side of the ball.
One name that keeps surfacing: Patrick Graham.
Graham, who worked under McCarthy in Green Bay as the linebackers coach and run game coordinator in 2018, has since carved out a solid résumé of his own. According to reports, including one from longtime Giants insider Art Stapleton, Graham is being mentioned as a potential candidate for the Steelers’ defensive coordinator job.
And it makes sense. Graham’s been around the league, and he’s no stranger to high-pressure environments.
After leaving Green Bay, he took over as defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins in 2019. The following year, he joined the New York Giants as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, holding that post through the 2021 season.
Most recently, he’s been the defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders for the past four years.
Graham’s defensive philosophy has always leaned on adaptability-he’s known for tailoring schemes to his personnel, something that could be crucial as the Steelers look to maintain their defensive identity in a post-Tomlin era. His familiarity with McCarthy’s leadership style and expectations only strengthens the case for a reunion in Pittsburgh.
As McCarthy begins his new chapter in the Steel City, expect more familiar names to surface. The Steelers are entering a new era, but with McCarthy at the helm, it’s clear they’re betting on proven leadership-and perhaps a few trusted voices from the past-to shape their future.