Steelers’ Hire of Mike McCarthy Draws Sharp Criticism from Stephen A. Smith, but Rooney Stands Firm
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to name Mike McCarthy as their next head coach has sparked a wave of strong reactions-none louder than ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who didn’t hold back in his assessment of the move. The longtime analyst questioned not just the hire itself, but what it signals about the direction of the franchise under team president Art Rooney II.
McCarthy, a 62-year-old Greenfield native, brings Super Bowl pedigree and decades of NFL experience. But for Smith, that résumé doesn’t outweigh concerns about the optics and implications of the hire.
“You go out and get a coach that’s considered a lateral move,” Smith said on First Take. “By the way, he’s 27 years older than the previous coaches you hired when you brought them in. Where’s the infusion of energy for Steelers Nation?”
Smith’s frustration centers on what he sees as a lack of boldness. McCarthy was one of just three reported finalists, alongside Brian Flores and Anthony Weaver. For a team with a passionate fanbase and a proud history, Smith argued the Steelers needed to swing bigger.
“He didn’t talk about the paying customer,” Smith added. “You’ve given them nothing to be excited about. Absolutely nothing.”
And he didn’t stop there. Smith took direct aim at Rooney’s track record since taking over the franchise’s day-to-day operations in 2017. The Steelers have gone 0-6 in the playoffs during that span, a drought that stands in stark contrast to the team’s storied legacy.
“You ain’t won a playoff game in nine years,” Smith said. “You’re going to hire this man in his 60s who, by the way, was pushed out of Green Bay, and later out of Dallas-with Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott as his quarterbacks.”
From Smith’s perspective, the hire felt like a step backward-an uninspired decision at a time when the Steelers could’ve made a statement.
“You’re talking about a man born on third base thinking he hit a triple,” Smith said, directing his criticism squarely at Rooney. “You don’t talk to Steeler Nation like that. Their loyalty, their dedication, their commitment to you-they deserved better than that.”
Rooney, for his part, hasn’t flinched in the face of criticism. He made it clear last month that the team’s priority wasn’t winning headlines-it was finding the right leader to guide the Steelers into their next chapter.
“We’re really not worried about winning the initial press conference,” Rooney said via Steelers.com on Jan. 25.
“It’s about picking the coach we believe will help us win games. Social media really doesn’t enter into it.
None of that will matter once we’re starting to play games.”
Rooney remains confident that McCarthy is the right fit-not just for the locker room, but for the long-term vision of the franchise.
“The message for our fans is we’re very excited,” Rooney said. “We think we have a coach who is well-equipped to lead us into the next winning phase of Steelers football, and that’s what it’s all about. I think they’re going to love Coach Mike.”
There’s no question McCarthy brings experience and a winning background, including a Super Bowl title and multiple playoff appearances. But the challenge ahead is steep. The Steelers haven’t tasted postseason success in nearly a decade, and the AFC is loaded with young, dynamic coaches and quarterbacks.
Now it’s on McCarthy-and Rooney-to prove that this hire wasn’t just safe, but smart. Because in Pittsburgh, expectations don’t fade with time. They only grow louder.