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Steelers LB Alex Highsmith Praises New Coach Mike McCarthy's Pittsburgh Roots
Highsmith says McCarthy's passion for the city and team make him an "awesome" fit as the Steelers' new head coach.
Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:31pm
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith has expressed strong support for the team's new head coach, Mike McCarthy, highlighting McCarthy's deep ties to the city of Pittsburgh as a key factor in his endorsement. Highsmith praised McCarthy's passion for the Steelers organization and the city, describing him as a "Yinzer" who understands the team's culture and values.
Why it matters
The Steelers' head coaching change from Mike Tomlin to Mike McCarthy represents a significant transition for the franchise, which has been defined by stability and continuity over the past two decades. Highsmith's positive assessment of McCarthy's fit suggests the new coach is already making inroads with the team's veteran players, which will be crucial as the Steelers look to maintain their winning ways under new leadership.
The details
During an appearance on The Christian Kuntz Podcast, Highsmith explained that McCarthy's background as a former head coach with the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers, combined with his strong Pittsburgh roots, has resonated with the Steelers' locker room. Highsmith emphasized McCarthy's passion for the city and the Steelers organization, noting that his understanding of the team's culture and identity is "something that is really awesome."
- Mike Tomlin stepped down as Steelers head coach earlier this month after 19 seasons.
- Mike McCarthy was introduced as the Steelers' new head coach in January 2026.
The players
Alex Highsmith
A veteran linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Mike McCarthy
The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously served as head coach for the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers.
Mike Tomlin
The former long-time head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who stepped down earlier this month after 19 seasons with the team.
Christian Kuntz
The host of the podcast where Highsmith made his comments, and also an active long snapper for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
What they’re saying
“He's a Pittsburgh guy he's a Yinzer. So just the passion that he has for this city for the organization for the Steelers I think is something that is really awesome.”
— Alex Highsmith, Steelers Linebacker (The Christian Kuntz Podcast)
What’s next
As the Steelers' offseason progresses, it will be important to monitor how the players continue to respond to the coaching change and whether McCarthy's message and approach resonate with the team's veteran core.
The takeaway
The Steelers' hiring of Mike McCarthy as their new head coach has received an early endorsement from veteran linebacker Alex Highsmith, who praised the coach's deep ties to the city of Pittsburgh and his passion for the Steelers organization. This positive feedback suggests McCarthy is making a strong first impression and aligning with the team's established culture, which will be crucial as he looks to build on the franchise's long-standing success.
