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Stephen A. Smith Blasts Steelers Owner's 'Unacceptable' Hiring of Mike McCarthy
ESPN analyst criticizes Steelers owner Art Rooney II for choosing veteran coach over younger, up-and-coming options
Feb. 10, 2026 at 9:39pm
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ESPN's Stephen A. Smith harshly criticized the Pittsburgh Steelers and owner Art Rooney II for hiring veteran head coach Mike McCarthy, calling the decision "unacceptable" and questioning Rooney's leadership. Smith believes the Steelers should have pursued younger, more innovative coaching candidates instead of going with the safe choice of McCarthy, who has had mixed success as a head coach in the NFL.
Why it matters
The Steelers are in a critical transition period, having to replace legendary head coach Mike Tomlin for the first time in nearly two decades. Their choice of McCarthy, an experienced but not necessarily elite coach, has drawn the ire of analysts like Smith who feel the team needs to be more aggressive in pursuing a new direction and vision for the franchise.
The details
After interviewing several candidates, the Steelers chose Mike McCarthy, a Super Bowl-winning coach who has previous head coaching experience with the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys. However, Smith believes McCarthy is not the right fit, arguing the Steelers should have pursued younger, up-and-coming coaching talent to usher in a new era for the team. Smith feels Steelers owner Art Rooney II made the "unacceptable" decision to go with the safe choice of McCarthy rather than taking a bigger swing.
- The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach on February 11, 2026.
The players
Stephen A. Smith
An ESPN analyst and commentator known for his outspoken opinions on sports topics.
Art Rooney II
The owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL franchise.
Mike McCarthy
The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who previously served as head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys.
Mike Tomlin
The previous long-time head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who stepped away from coaching.
Aaron Rodgers
A four-time MVP quarterback who has been linked to a potential return to the Steelers, having previously worked with new head coach Mike McCarthy in Green Bay.
What they’re saying
“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 (ESPN)
“Who the hell do you think you are? You're talking about a man born on third base thinking he hit a triple. What the hell is that? You don't talk to Steeler Nation like that. Their loyalty, their dedication, their commitment to you. They didn't deserve better than an answer like that?”
— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst (ESPN)
What’s next
The Steelers will need to determine if veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has a history with new head coach Mike McCarthy, will be the answer at the position as they look to return to contention.
The takeaway
This hiring decision by Steelers owner Art Rooney II has drawn heavy criticism from analysts like Stephen A. Smith, who feel the team missed an opportunity to pursue a more innovative, younger coaching candidate to usher in a new era for the franchise. The Steelers now face questions about their direction and ability to return to their past success.
