The Pittsburgh Steelers are stepping into a fascinating new chapter, one that could potentially reunite two of the most polarizing figures in recent NFL history: Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers. It’s a pairing with a long, complicated backstory-one that dates back well before their Super Bowl-winning run in Green Bay.
Let’s rewind to 2005. McCarthy was the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers when the team passed on Rodgers with the first overall pick, opting instead for Alex Smith.
According to Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers by Ian O’Connor, McCarthy has since tried to downplay his role in that decision. But former Niners head coach Mike Nolan didn’t mince words-he told O’Connor that McCarthy was firmly in the Smith camp.
Rodgers, of course, slid all the way to No. 24, where the Packers scooped him up. A year later, McCarthy took over as Green Bay’s head coach.
And while the two would eventually hoist the Lombardi Trophy together, their relationship was never exactly smooth sailing. It was productive, sure.
But it was also built on a fragile foundation of mistrust and philosophical differences.
Things came to a head in 2018, when McCarthy was fired late in the season. The following year, a detailed report by Tyler Dunne painted a picture of a fractured partnership.
The most telling quote came from an anonymous source close to the situation: “Mike has a low football IQ, and that used to always bother Aaron. He’d say Mike has one of the lowest IQs, if not the lowest IQ, of any coach he’s ever had.”
That’s the kind of criticism that doesn’t just fade away. And yet, here we are in 2026, with McCarthy now the head coach in Pittsburgh and Rodgers still technically on the Steelers’ roster-though his future remains very much up in the air.
So, could they run it back for one more year?
It’s possible. But it would take both men being fully on board.
Rodgers would have to buy into a reunion with a coach he’s publicly clashed with. And McCarthy would have to be willing to navigate the often unpredictable terrain that comes with coaching Rodgers.
Given their history, that’s a tall order.
The Steelers, for their part, need to play this one carefully. They can’t afford to repeat the mistakes the Jets made last year-bringing Rodgers in, then seemingly moving on without clear communication. If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, it’s that Rodgers doesn’t take kindly to being pushed out of the picture.
Pittsburgh needs to give him the space to decide-on his own terms-whether he wants to stay. But they also need clarity by the time free agency opens.
That means a decision, one way or another, by March 11. If Rodgers chooses to walk away, fine.
But if he drags it out, the Steelers can’t let themselves be held hostage by uncertainty.
And let’s be honest: Rodgers has never been shy about using the media to shape his narrative. If things don’t go his way, he may very well try to spin it as another case of being misunderstood or mistreated. That’s just part of the Rodgers experience at this point.
McCarthy, meanwhile, would be wise to keep his head down and focus on building his new program. Whether Rodgers is part of that or not, the Steelers need stability-and that starts at the top.
Still, don’t be surprised if this situation turns into a bit of a chess match. Rodgers hasn’t forgotten that McCarthy favored Smith over him two decades ago. And if there’s one thing Rodgers has proven over the years, it’s that he doesn’t let go of a grudge easily.
So while a reunion isn’t impossible, it’s going to take more than just nostalgia to make it work. It’s going to take two very strong-willed individuals finding common ground-again. And that’s never been their strong suit.