Steelers Daily Rundown: Fehoko Throws Shade, McCarthy Returns, and Patriots Make History
There’s never a dull moment in Pittsburgh football, and today’s headlines are packed with familiar names, strong opinions, and a few eyebrow-raising developments. Let’s break it all down.
Fehoko Sounds Off on Chris Shula
Former Steelers nose tackle Breiden Fehoko didn’t hold back on social media when it came to Chris Shula, the Rams defensive coordinator who was recently in the mix for the Steelers’ head coaching job. After Shula’s defense gave up 31 points to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, Fehoko made it clear he thinks Pittsburgh dodged a bullet.
“Pittsburgh Steelers dodged a bullet with Chris Shula,” Fehoko posted on X.
In a follow-up tweet, Fehoko doubled down, calling out Steelers fans who had been hyping Shula just weeks ago.
“Steelers fans wanted them some Chris Shula boy. SMH they ain’t even know about him till 2 weeks ago dawg.”
It’s a strong take from a former player who clearly has thoughts on the coaching carousel. Whether or not you agree, it’s a reminder that reputation in this league can shift fast-especially after a rough postseason showing.
Bradshaw’s Halftime Blunder
Terry Bradshaw, a Steelers legend and longtime FOX analyst, had a tough moment during the Rams-Seahawks halftime show. The clip making the rounds shows Bradshaw struggling to keep up with the broadcast-an unfortunate misstep on a big stage.
It’s never easy seeing one of the game’s icons have a slip-up, especially during a marquee matchup. But Bradshaw’s legacy in Pittsburgh is secure, even if the live TV moments don’t always go as planned.
McCarthy Gets a Warm Welcome Back to Pittsburgh
Mike McCarthy’s return to the Steel City is already sparking reactions-and not just from Steelers brass.
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi gave McCarthy a public shoutout, welcoming him back to Pittsburgh with a handshake emoji and a simple message: “Welcome back to Pittsburgh!! 🤝 #H2P”
McCarthy, who began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Pitt, now takes over as head coach of the Steelers. The welcome from Narduzzi is a small but meaningful nod to McCarthy’s roots-and a sign that the city’s football community is ready to rally around him.
Arthur Smith Heads to Columbus
Despite interest from the Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans, Arthur Smith is heading back to the college ranks. Smith has accepted the offensive coordinator job at Ohio State, choosing the Buckeyes over two NFL opportunities.
It’s a notable move for a coach who’s been in the NFL spotlight in recent years. Smith’s decision to take the reins of one of college football’s most high-powered offenses could reshape his career trajectory-and it also leaves the Eagles and Titans still searching for answers at OC.
Rocky Bleier Revisits the Immaculate Reception
Steelers fans never get tired of hearing about the moment that changed everything-and Rocky Bleier just gave us a fresh look at it. On the Larry & The Big Man podcast, Bleier walked listeners through the Immaculate Reception and how that single play helped launch the Steelers dynasty.
It’s a powerful reminder of how one moment can alter the course of a franchise. Bleier’s perspective brings new depth to a play that’s already etched in NFL lore. For fans who lived it-and those who’ve only seen the highlight-it’s worth a listen.
Patriots Flip the Script
Talk about a turnaround.
With their AFC-clinching win on Sunday, the New England Patriots now have 17 wins this season. To put that in perspective: they won just 16 games combined over the last three years.
That kind of leap doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a testament to a team that’s found its identity again-and it signals that the Patriots are officially back in the conversation as contenders. After years of post-Brady turbulence, New England has recalibrated in a big way.
Rodgers-McCarthy Dynamic Revisited
In a passage from Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers, author Ian O’Connor shed light on the complex relationship between Rodgers and Mike McCarthy during their time in Green Bay. While Rodgers appreciated the freedom he had at the line of scrimmage, he reportedly clashed with McCarthy over certain play calls-including in the infamous 2014 NFC Championship Game collapse against Seattle.
That loss still lingers, and it’s part of the baggage McCarthy brings with him to Pittsburgh. But it's also a reminder of the stakes at this level.
McCarthy has coached in big games, managed big personalities, and weathered big losses. Now, he gets a fresh start-and a chance to write a new chapter in a city that knows a thing or two about football legacies.
More Steelers Headlines Worth Watching
There’s plenty more coming out of Pittsburgh as the offseason heats up. Among the key storylines:
- Art Rooney II has made it clear that fixing the quarterback situation is priority No. 1 for McCarthy.
- Rooney also addressed the fan reaction to the hire, saying he’s not concerned about the backlash.
- One Hall of Famer didn’t mince words, saying the Steelers’ offense “stinks” and needs serious help-something McCarthy was brought in to address.
- A recent mock draft shows Pittsburgh targeting offensive upgrades early.
- The Steelers are following a growing trend in the NFL: giving experienced head coaches a second shot.
And over on the baseball side, there’s chatter about the Pirates potentially bringing back Andrew McCutchen-an idea that makes sense on multiple levels, especially if they want to avoid ending things on a sour note.
Bottom Line: From coaching drama to franchise-defining flashbacks, it’s a busy time in the world of Pittsburgh sports. Whether you’re watching the Steelers’ next chapter unfold or keeping tabs on AFC power shifts, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow-and we’ll be here to break them all down.