Mike McCarthy weighs Rodgers reunion as Steelers begin new era

Earlier this month, the Pittsburgh Steelers launched their third head coaching search since hiring Chuck Noll in 1969.

On January 13, Mike Tomlin announced that he would step down after 19 seasons as the franchise’s head coach.

During the search for the next head coach, the Steelers interviewed a number of candidates, many of whom were young assistants such as Noll, Mike Tomlin and Bill Cowher; They all came to Pittsburgh as relative unknowns and left with Super Bowl rings and Hall of Fame-worthy resumes.

In an at-times emotional introductory press conference with the Steelers, McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, spoke proudly of his third head coaching opportunity.

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“I thought I could at least get a start,” the Steelers’ new head coach said, trying unsuccessfully to suppress his emotions as he looked at members of the McCarthy family at Acrisure Stadium.

McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers spent several years together while they were both part of the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy led the Packers to a 125-77-2 record from 2006-18. Rodgers leaves the Packers after the 2022 season. He spent two seasons with the New York Jets before signing a one-year deal with the Steelers last summer.

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy during the first half against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on January 5, 2025. (Kevin Jairaj/Imagn Images)

While Rodgers has had a relatively productive first season with the Steelers, the 42-year-old quarterback is undoubtedly much closer to the sunset of his career than he was at the start. It’s unclear whether Rodgers will return to the Steelers in 2026, pursue an opportunity with another team, or opt out of the game.

The possibility of Rodgers and McCarthy reuniting was brought up during Tuesday’s press conference. McCarthy expressed optimism about potentially getting another chance to coach Rodgers.

“Absolutely, I don’t see why you shouldn’t,” McCarthy replied to reporters’ questions about the possibility of working with the four-time MVP.

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Ahead of Dallas Cowboys coach McCarthy’s return to Lambeau Field in 2022, Rodgers said the passage of time has made him more appreciative of the seasons he spent with his former coach.

“That’s probably normal in any relationship you have,” Rodgers said at the time. “When you can take the time and have that separation, it’s natural that when you look back you have a greater sense of appreciation, gratitude and gratitude for that time.”

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy (R) speaks during a press conference introducing himself as the Steelers’ next head coach while listening to owner Art Rooney II speak at the PNC Champions Club at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on January 27, 2026. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)

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McCarthy managed the Packers’ 2010 season, in which the team won the only Super Bowl championship of Rodgers’ career, but the relationship between the quarterback and the coach eventually soured. McCarthy was fired late in the 2018 season.

Since then, neither McCarthy nor his hometown Steelers have returned to the big game. He knows the clock is ticking.

“It’s time to bring another championship back to this great city,” McCarthy said Tuesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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