The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2026 season came to a crashing halt with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans last Monday night-a defeat that not only ended their playoff hopes but also extended a painful franchise drought: nine straight seasons without a postseason win. That loss proved to be the final chapter in Mike Tomlin’s 19-year tenure as head coach, as he officially stepped down just a day later.
Tomlin’s departure marks the end of an era in Pittsburgh-one defined by consistency, resilience, and a locker room culture that rarely wavered, even in tough times. But it also raises a major question about the team’s immediate future: What happens now with Aaron Rodgers?
Rodgers, who signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh for the 2025 season, had made it clear when he arrived that his decision was heavily influenced by Tomlin. The four-time MVP openly credited the veteran coach as the driving force behind his move. With Tomlin gone, many assumed Rodgers would follow him out the door.
But not so fast.
According to reports, several Steelers players made it known during their exit interviews that they want Rodgers back under center in 2026. And not just in a “we’d be open to it” kind of way-this was full-throated support from a locker room that clearly rallied around the veteran quarterback.
“The Steelers players are more than open to Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh; they want the four-time league MVP back,” reported league insider Adam Schefter. “Almost all Steelers players praised Rodgers during their exit interviews, and most if not all of them want the veteran quarterback to return in 2026. His support among players was universal, and those around the organization pointed out how beloved and respected Rodgers was there.”
That kind of locker room endorsement isn’t just lip service. It speaks volumes about Rodgers’ impact in his short time with the team-not just as a player, but as a leader. Even at age 42, Rodgers brought a presence to the huddle that clearly resonated with his teammates, many of whom had never played alongside a quarterback with his pedigree.
Now, with his 43rd birthday looming in December and no head coach currently in place, Rodgers’ future is a question mark. When he signed with Pittsburgh, he framed the 2025 season as a farewell tour of sorts.
But late in the year, his tone shifted. He stopped talking about retirement with finality.
He started leaving the door open.
And now, with his teammates pushing for one more run, that door might be opening a little wider.
The Steelers, of course, have plenty to figure out-starting with who’s going to lead the team from the sideline. But make no mistake: the quarterback situation is front and center. Rodgers may not be the long-term answer, but in a league where elite quarterback play is still the most valuable commodity, the idea of bringing him back-especially with the locker room fully behind it-has to be on the table.
Tomlin’s exit is a seismic shift for the franchise, but if Rodgers is willing to stick around for another year, the Steelers might not be ready to hit the reset button just yet.