Mike McCarthy named new Steelers head coach

The Pittsburgh native returns home to lead his hometown team.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:23pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach. McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, is taking over the team he grew up supporting and is excited to lead his hometown franchise.

Why it matters

McCarthy's hiring is a homecoming for the longtime NFL coach, who has deep roots in the Pittsburgh area. His return to the Steelers is expected to energize the fanbase and provide stability to a team that has struggled in recent seasons.

The details

After being fired from the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, McCarthy took a year off from coaching. He now gets the opportunity to lead the Steelers, the team he rooted for as a child growing up in the Pittsburgh area. McCarthy has over 15 years of NFL head coaching experience, including a Super Bowl championship with the Green Bay Packers in 2010.

  • Mike McCarthy was hired as the new Steelers head coach on January 27, 2026.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who is a Pittsburgh native and has over 15 years of NFL head coaching experience.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The professional American football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that plays in the National Football League.

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What they’re saying

“It just seemed like it was meant to be. I'm coming home to lead the team I grew up cheering for.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach (The Daily Item)

What’s next

McCarthy will now begin assembling his coaching staff and preparing for the upcoming NFL season with the Steelers.

The takeaway

The hiring of Mike McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, as the new Steelers head coach represents a homecoming for the experienced NFL coach and an opportunity to revitalize a storied franchise in his hometown.