Steelers Hire Mike McCarthy as New Head Coach, Reunion with Aaron Rodgers Possible

The Pittsburgh native takes over as head coach, with speculation building about a potential reunion with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:15pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, marking the third time in the franchise's history they've conducted a head coaching search. McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, expressed pride and emotion during his introductory press conference. There is speculation about a potential reunion between McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who played together with the Green Bay Packers and won a Super Bowl. Rodgers is nearing the end of his career, and it's unclear if he will return to the Steelers in 2026 or pursue opportunities elsewhere.

Why it matters

The Steelers' head coaching change is a significant moment for the franchise, which has had just three head coaches since 1969. The possibility of McCarthy and Rodgers reuniting is also noteworthy, as the two had a successful run together in Green Bay but their relationship eventually soured. This could be a last chance for the pair to work together and potentially win another championship.

The details

The Steelers interviewed several candidates during their head coaching search, many of them young assistants in the mold of previous Steelers head coaches like Chuck Noll, Mike Tomlin, and Bill Cowher. McCarthy, who was the Packers' head coach from 2006-2018, expressed pride and emotion during his introductory press conference, saying "It's time to bring another championship back to this great city." McCarthy and Rodgers spent several years together in Green Bay, winning a Super Bowl in 2010, but their relationship eventually deteriorated, leading to McCarthy's firing in 2018. Rodgers is nearing the end of his career, and it's unclear if he will return to the Steelers in 2026, pursue an opportunity with another team, or retire.

  • On Jan. 13, Mike Tomlin announced he would step down after 19 seasons as the Steelers' head coach.
  • During an introductory press conference on January 28, 2026, McCarthy expressed pride and emotion about becoming the Steelers' new head coach.

The players

Mike McCarthy

A Pittsburgh native who was hired as the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He previously served as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 2006-2018, winning a Super Bowl in 2010.

Aaron Rodgers

The veteran quarterback who spent several seasons playing for the Green Bay Packers under head coach Mike McCarthy. Rodgers is currently signed with the Steelers and is nearing the end of his NFL career.

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What they’re saying

“I thought I'd at least be able to get started”

— Mike McCarthy, New Steelers Head Coach (timebulletin.us)

“Definitely, I don't see why you wouldn't”

— Mike McCarthy, New Steelers Head Coach (timebulletin.us)

“It's time to bring another championship back to this great city”

— Mike McCarthy, New Steelers Head Coach (timebulletin.us)

What’s next

The Steelers and their new head coach Mike McCarthy will now focus on assembling a coaching staff and preparing for the 2026 NFL season. The team and fans will also be closely watching to see if veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers decides to return to the Steelers or pursue opportunities elsewhere.

The takeaway

The Steelers' hiring of Mike McCarthy as their new head coach represents a significant changing of the guard for the franchise, which has had just three head coaches since 1969. The potential for a reunion between McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers adds an intriguing storyline, as the two had success together in Green Bay but their relationship ultimately soured. This could be a last chance for the pair to work together and potentially win another championship.