Steelers Bring in Mike McCarthy for In-Person Interview Amid Coaching Search
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to meet face-to-face with veteran coach Mike McCarthy on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise’s ongoing search for its next head coach. McCarthy, 62, brings a wealth of experience to the table, and his presence in the process signals the Steelers are seriously considering a seasoned hand to lead the team into its next chapter.
McCarthy is the ninth confirmed candidate to be involved in Pittsburgh’s coaching search and becomes just the third to receive an in-person interview-joining Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Flores is scheduled to interview Tuesday, while Weaver is expected to meet with the team soon after. With five other candidates still in the mix, the Steelers are clearly casting a wide net, and more names could still enter the fray.
What makes McCarthy stand out is not just his résumé, but his deep ties to the city. A Pittsburgh native from the Greenfield neighborhood, McCarthy didn’t coach in the NFL last season after his contract with the Dallas Cowboys expired in 2024. But his legacy in the league spans 18 seasons, including a Super Bowl victory-and it’s that kind of pedigree that could provide stability and direction for a team in transition.
Let’s talk credentials. McCarthy owns a career record of 174-112-2, good for a .608 winning percentage.
That’s no small feat across nearly two decades on the sidelines. He’s had just five losing seasons in 18 years and boasts an 11-11 postseason record.
The highlight? Leading the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl XLV victory over-you guessed it-the Steelers, back in 2010.
More recently, his playoff runs with Dallas were less fruitful, going 1-3 in the postseason there, but the overall body of work still speaks volumes.
There’s also an intriguing subplot here involving quarterback Aaron Rodgers. With Mike Tomlin stepping away, many assumed Rodgers-who openly cited Tomlin as a key reason for coming to Pittsburgh-might be on his way out too.
But McCarthy’s name changes the equation. The two spent 13 years together in Green Bay, a stretch that helped define both of their careers.
Rodgers has often spoken about the Pittsburgh influence in his football life, referencing not just McCarthy but a long list of coaches with Steel City ties who helped shape his journey.
“I feel like Pittsburgh has been a part of my career from the beginning,” Rodgers said during his introductory press conference last June. That connection could factor heavily into whether McCarthy’s candidacy gains traction. If the Steelers are looking for continuity and a bridge to Rodgers’ final chapter, McCarthy might just be the guy to provide it.
But this move isn’t just about familiarity-it’s about balance. The Steelers’ candidate list so far has skewed young and relatively inexperienced.
Outside of Brian Flores, only Boston College’s Jeff Hafley has held a head coaching position at any level. Some, like Nate Scheelhaase and Klay Kubiak, haven’t even served as NFL coordinators yet.
Bringing in McCarthy gives team president Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan a chance to weigh what a proven, veteran coach could offer compared to the upside of a younger, untested candidate.
McCarthy has also been active in the coaching carousel elsewhere this offseason, interviewing for jobs with the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, though he didn’t land either position. That makes his meeting with Pittsburgh even more significant-this isn’t just a courtesy interview; it’s a legitimate opportunity for both sides to see if there’s a fit.
As the Steelers continue to evaluate their options, McCarthy’s experience, local roots, and connection to Rodgers provide a compelling case. Whether he’s the right man to lead Pittsburgh into its post-Tomlin era remains to be seen, but there’s no denying he brings a different kind of weight to the conversation.