The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their first major move of the 2026 offseason, and it's a big one. On Saturday, they named Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, stepping in for Mike Tomlin, who resigned after 17 seasons at the helm. McCarthy becomes the first Steelers head coach with prior NFL head coaching experience since 1965 - and this hire could have ripple effects beyond just the sideline.
Let’s break down what this move means for the franchise, particularly as it relates to the looming quarterback question, the state of the defense, and how it might shape their approach to the upcoming NFL Draft.
McCarthy In, Tomlin Out: A Rare Transition in Pittsburgh
For a franchise that prides itself on stability - just three head coaches since 1969 - this is a seismic shift. Tomlin’s departure left big shoes to fill, not just in terms of leadership, but in keeping the team competitive year in and year out. That’s where McCarthy comes in.
McCarthy brings with him a résumé that includes a 174-112-2 career record and a Super Bowl XLV win - ironically, against the Steelers. His 13-year run with the Packers and recent stint with the Cowboys show he knows how to build and sustain a winning culture. That kind of experience likely appealed to Steelers owner Art Rooney II, who emphasized the importance of staying in contention when discussing the coaching change.
But McCarthy’s arrival does more than just signal continuity. It could also open the door for a familiar face to return - quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Rodgers Factor: Could a Reunion Be on the Table?
Let’s be clear: nothing’s official. But the connection between McCarthy and Rodgers is impossible to ignore.
Rodgers, currently a free agent, spent 13 seasons working with McCarthy in Green Bay. Together, they built one of the most productive QB-coach partnerships in modern NFL history - a 125-77-2 record, nine playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl title. Rodgers threw for over 41,000 yards and 334 touchdowns under McCarthy’s watch, winning multiple MVPs along the way.
Now, with Pittsburgh in need of a reliable quarterback and Rodgers still weighing his options, McCarthy’s presence could be a game-changer. When Tomlin stepped down, many assumed that closed the book on Rodgers’ time in Pittsburgh.
After all, Rodgers reportedly came to the Steelers in large part because of Tomlin. Rooney even said as much: “Aaron came here for Mike [Tomlin].”
But McCarthy offers a new - and familiar - reason to stay.
Rodgers took his time deciding to sign with Pittsburgh last offseason, not inking a deal until June. So even with McCarthy in place, don’t expect a quick decision.
That said, if Rodgers does return, it wouldn’t just be about unfinished business. It would be about rekindling a partnership that once helped define an era in Green Bay.
And let’s not forget - if Rodgers were to retire today, his final pass would be a pick-six in a Wild Card loss to Houston. That’s not the kind of ending a future Hall of Famer dreams of.
The Numbers: Rodgers Under McCarthy
Here’s what Rodgers did during their time together in Green Bay:
- 158 games
- 41,941 passing yards
- 334 touchdowns to just 78 interceptions
- 65.2% completion rate
- 25 rushing touchdowns
These aren’t just great numbers - they’re all-time great. And they show just how productive Rodgers was in McCarthy’s system. That’s something the Steelers - and Rodgers - have to consider as they look ahead to 2026.
What This Means for Pittsburgh’s Defense
While McCarthy is known for his offensive acumen, the Steelers’ identity in recent years has been shaped by their defense - and not cheaply. Pittsburgh fielded the league’s highest-paid defense in 2025, but the results didn’t quite match the investment.
- 22.8 points allowed per game (16th-most)
- 356.9 total yards allowed per game (7th-most)
- 243.9 passing yards allowed per game (4th-most)
- 113.1 rushing yards allowed per game (20th-most)
On the bright side, they did rank fourth in turnovers forced per game, showing they can still make impact plays. But for McCarthy, who comes from an offensive background, hiring the right defensive coordinator is going to be just as critical as any schematic changes he brings to the offense.
This team still has stars on the defensive side of the ball. The challenge now is getting more consistent production - and better value - out of that expensive unit.
Draft Strategy: Still About Weapons, Not Quarterbacks
Despite the coaching change, Pittsburgh’s draft strategy looks to remain largely the same. The Steelers hold the 21st overall pick in April, and all signs point to them targeting a wide receiver.
Behind DK Metcalf, the Steelers struggled to find consistent playmakers in the passing game - a fact that was painfully clear during the back half of the 2025 season. Adding another weapon on the outside could be critical, especially if Rodgers returns and the team wants to maximize what could be his final year.
As for quarterbacks, what was once considered a deep class has thinned out considerably. Many of the top prospects opted to return to school, leaving fewer viable options in the first round. That makes a Rodgers return even more valuable.
Beyond receiver, Pittsburgh could look to shore up depth at safety or along the defensive line - both areas that could be impacted by free agency.
Final Thoughts: A New Era, Familiar Faces?
The Steelers are entering a new chapter, and they’re doing it with a proven head coach in Mike McCarthy. His hiring brings experience, stability, and perhaps most intriguingly, the potential for a reunion with Aaron Rodgers.
Whether or not Rodgers returns, McCarthy’s presence signals that Pittsburgh isn’t interested in rebuilding - they’re looking to reload. And with a few smart moves - starting with the right defensive coordinator and a playmaking receiver - they could be right back in the thick of the AFC playoff race come fall.
Stay tuned. The Steelers’ offseason just got a lot more interesting.