Mike McCarthy is back on the NFL sidelines - and this time, it’s in a city that means more to him than most. The Pittsburgh native has officially been named the next head coach of the Steelers, stepping into one of the league’s most iconic jobs after Mike Tomlin’s 19-season run came to a close.
For McCarthy, this isn’t just another coaching stop. It’s a homecoming - and potentially the next chapter in what’s already shaping up to be a Hall of Fame-worthy career.
With a regular-season record of 172-112-2, McCarthy ranks 15th all-time in head coaching wins. He’s already led two of the NFL’s flagship franchises in Green Bay and Dallas.
Now, he’ll try to bring his steady hand and offensive mind to a Steelers team in transition.
McCarthy took the 2025 season off after his contract with the Cowboys expired, but he made it clear he wasn’t done coaching. The plan was always to return in 2026 - it was just a matter of the right fit.
Once Tomlin stepped down, that fit became obvious. McCarthy didn’t entertain other offers.
He canceled all interviews and shut down every other inquiry. Pittsburgh was the only job he wanted, and now it’s his.
The hire carries weight not just because of McCarthy’s credentials or his Pittsburgh roots, but also because of what it could mean under center. Aaron Rodgers, who played some of his best football under McCarthy in Green Bay, has been open about his interest in reuniting with his former coach. After the 2024 season, Rodgers - then with the Jets - said that wherever McCarthy landed could be a potential destination for him as well.
So now that McCarthy has landed in Pittsburgh, the door is open. Rodgers hasn’t committed to playing in 2026, and retirement has been on the table. But if he does return, the Steelers might be the team to watch.
There are still plenty of moving parts. Rodgers’ health, his desire to keep playing, and the Steelers’ own quarterback situation will all factor in. But one thing’s clear: McCarthy’s arrival in Pittsburgh isn’t just a coaching move - it’s a domino that could reshape the AFC landscape.
For now, the Steelers have their new leader. And McCarthy has the chance to write what could be his most personal - and potentially most impactful - chapter yet.