Stephen A. Smith Blasts Steelers Owner Art Rooney II Over McCarthy Hire

ESPN analyst criticizes Rooney's decision to hire 62-year-old Mike McCarthy as the team's new head coach.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith strongly criticized Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II for hiring 62-year-old Mike McCarthy as the team's new head coach. Smith argued the hire was a "lateral move" and "uninspiring" for the Steelers fanbase, who he said Rooney has not given "anything to be excited about." Smith also took issue with Rooney's comments defending the hire, saying the owner is "not on the same level" as his father Dan Rooney and the Steelers' storied history.

Why it matters

The Steelers' head coaching hire is a closely watched decision for the storied NFL franchise, which has had only three head coaches since 1969. Rooney's choice of the 62-year-old McCarthy, who was previously fired by the Packers and Cowboys, has drawn strong criticism from prominent voices like Stephen A. Smith, who feel the hire lacks the vision and energy to excite the Steelers' loyal fanbase.

The details

In his criticism on ESPN's "First Take," Smith said Rooney "didn't talk about the paying customer" and "gave them nothing to be excited about" with the McCarthy hire. Smith also took issue with Rooney's comments defending the hire, saying the owner is "not on the same level" as his father Dan Rooney and the Steelers' storied history. Rooney has said the team is "very excited" about McCarthy and believes he is "well-equipped to lead us into the next winning phase of Steelers football."

  • Rooney defended his decision to hire McCarthy last month.
  • Smith recently made his comments on ESPN's "First Take" program.

The players

Stephen A. Smith

An ESPN analyst known for his outspoken commentary on sports topics.

Art Rooney II

The current owner and president of the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking over the role from his father Dan Rooney.

Mike McCarthy

The 62-year-old new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, hired to replace the previous coach.

Dan Rooney

The former owner and president of the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for the team's sustained success and stability under his leadership.

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What they’re saying

“You go out and get a coach that's considered a lateral move who, by the way, is 27 years older than the previous coaches that you hired when you hired them, giving an infusion to the Steeler Nation and the Steelers fanbase. I'm just looking at this man here, I'm talking about Art Rooney and the quotes. You've given the Pittsburgh Steeler fanbase nothing to be excited about.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst (First Take)

“Who the hell do you think you are? You ain't your uncle, you ain't your daddy, you ain't your family members. You're a Rooney, but you ain't them because your record proves you ain't them. You don't talk to Steeler Nation like that. This is unacceptable.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst (First Take)

“We're really not worried about winning the initial press conference. It's about picking the coach we believe will help us win games. And social media really doesn't enter into it. And none of that will matter once we're starting to play games.”

— Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers Owner (Steelers.com)

What’s next

The Steelers will begin their 2026 season under new head coach Mike McCarthy, looking to end their playoff drought and return to the success the franchise is known for under the Rooney family's leadership.

The takeaway

This hiring decision has highlighted the high expectations and passionate fanbase of the Steelers, who are seeking a return to the team's championship pedigree after a prolonged period without playoff success. The criticism from Stephen A. Smith underscores the pressure on owner Art Rooney II to make a transformative hire that energizes the franchise and its loyal supporters.