Steelers’ Coaching Moves Signal Openness to Aaron Rodgers Reunion in 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t just introduce a new head coach this week - they may have cracked open the door for a potential reunion with one of the NFL’s most decorated quarterbacks.
Mike McCarthy, officially introduced as the Steelers’ new head coach on Tuesday, didn’t mince words when asked if he’d welcome Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback in 2026.
“Definitely. I don’t see why you wouldn’t,” McCarthy said during his press conference.
“I think just like anything, knowing Aaron long enough, going through seasons, I think when players - to see Mel Blount here - when guys are up in that stage of their career, they need to step away and decompress. I think that’s very important.”
McCarthy’s comments weren’t just lip service. His history with Rodgers is well-documented - 13 seasons together in Green Bay, a Super Bowl title, and a whole lot of offensive fireworks in between. But it’s the Steelers’ latest coaching hire that might be the most telling sign yet of where this could be headed.
Pittsburgh has brought in veteran offensive line coach James Campen, a name that carries serious weight in Rodgers’ world. Campen was with the Packers for over a decade, working directly with Rodgers for the bulk of his prime. Their relationship goes far beyond the X’s and O’s.
Back in 2021, Rodgers posted a heartfelt tribute to Campen on Instagram, describing him as “more than just a coach.” In Rodgers’ words, Campen was a “mentor, confidant, father figure, supporter, and Friend to SO MANY players,” and someone who made a lasting impact on the locker room. “You’re a better person than a coach my friend, and you’re a tremendous coach,” Rodgers wrote.
That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly from a quarterback who’s known for being selective with his trust and loyalty. And now, Campen is in Pittsburgh - reunited with McCarthy, and potentially laying the groundwork for a third act with Rodgers.
Let’s take a quick step back. Campen first joined the Packers’ coaching staff in 2004 as an assistant offensive line coach, just one year before Rodgers was drafted.
In 2007, McCarthy promoted him to offensive line coach - a role he held for 11 seasons. That trio - McCarthy, Campen, Rodgers - formed the backbone of some of the most dynamic offenses in recent Packers history.
Now, two-thirds of that group is in black and gold.
To be clear, Rodgers hasn’t made any public decisions about his future. At 42, and coming off a physically and emotionally taxing stretch, he’s earned the right to take his time. McCarthy acknowledged as much, noting how important it is for veteran players to take a step back and decompress before making such a major call.
But the Steelers aren’t waiting idly. They’re building a staff that looks tailor-made for a quarterback like Rodgers - one that understands his tendencies, respects his process, and can protect him with the kind of offensive line coaching he’s thrived behind before.
Pittsburgh still needs an official answer from Rodgers, and they’ll want it sooner than later as they prepare for the 2026 campaign. But if there’s any doubt about whether the organization is open to running it back with the four-time MVP, McCarthy and Campen’s arrivals speak volumes.
The pieces are in place. Now it’s just a matter of whether Rodgers wants to pick them up.