It’s going to take some getting used to, no question about it. For the first time in nearly 20 years, someone other than Mike Tomlin will be patrolling the Pittsburgh Steelers’ sideline.
That someone? Former Packers and Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy - a name that carries weight, experience, and a Super Bowl ring of his own.
McCarthy steps into one of the most tradition-rich jobs in the NFL, replacing Tomlin after the longtime Steelers coach stepped down following Pittsburgh’s early playoff exit at the hands of C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans.
Tomlin’s departure marks the end of an era - a coach who never had a losing season, who defined consistency in a league built on chaos. Now, the Steelers are turning the page.
Enter McCarthy, a coach whose résumé includes a 174-112-2 career record and 18 seasons of NFL head coaching experience - 13 in Green Bay, five in Dallas. He’s no stranger to high expectations or high-profile quarterback situations. And speaking of quarterbacks, the Steelers’ recent moves have added a fascinating layer to this new chapter.
Just a year ago, Pittsburgh brought in Aaron Rodgers - the same quarterback who helped McCarthy’s Packers beat the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV. Now, they’ve hired the coach who led that Green Bay team. It's a full-circle moment that has Steelers fans and former players alike buzzing.
One of those voices? Ben Roethlisberger, the two-time Super Bowl champ and longtime face of the franchise. On his podcast Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, the former quarterback didn’t hold back his excitement about the hire.
“I know he’s coached a lot of places, but you’re telling me that he doesn’t have black and gold like in there?” Roethlisberger said.
“We finally have an offensive-minded coach in here. I’m so excited for an offensive-minded coach.”
That last point is key. The Steelers, for all their defensive tradition and physical identity, haven’t had a true offensive-minded head coach in decades.
McCarthy brings that pedigree - a system builder, a play-caller, and someone who’s worked with elite quarterbacks throughout his career. From Brett Favre to Rodgers to Dak Prescott, McCarthy has seen and done a lot in this league.
Now, he’s tasked with bringing that experience to a Steelers team that’s been searching for offensive consistency.
Of course, the elephant in the room is whether Rodgers and McCarthy could reunite for one last ride. Rodgers’ future remains uncertain - he’s 42, coming off a major injury, and hasn’t committed to playing in 2026.
But the pieces are there. The coach.
The quarterback. The history.
Even if Rodgers doesn’t return, McCarthy’s presence signals a shift in philosophy for Pittsburgh. This is a franchise that’s traditionally leaned on defense and stability.
Now, they’re leaning into offensive innovation and veteran leadership. It’s a bold move - and one that could reshape the identity of the Steelers moving forward.
McCarthy’s challenge is clear: take a team that’s been stuck in the middle and push them back into true contention. With a fanbase that demands excellence, a roster that’s shown flashes, and a front office that just made one of the biggest coaching hires in recent memory, the clock is already ticking.
But make no mistake - McCarthy’s back, and the Steelers are betting big that he’s the right man to lead them into their next era.